The Arch Autumn 2007 by Repton School

No.311October2007 OLDTHEARCHREPTONIANNEWSLETTER Repton School 1557 - 2007 Commemorative 450th Anniversary Edition

Emulating again the celebrations of the 300th, 350th and 400th anniversaries, the School opened its grounds to the public this summer for the Repton Concerts which were as well organised if not better than last year and equally well attended.

Nicky M Oborn (G’91) [2003] Ken V Gregory (C’47) [2004] Simon J Oborn (O’89) [2005] James T Leavesley (N’75) [2005] John F R Hird (P’60) [2005] Peter H Neil (P’75) [2006] Adam M Sinclair (L’78) [2006] Paul Windridge (P’69) [2006] John F M Walker (H’46 & Ex Staff) [Life Member] Officio Members

President Elect: Carole Blackshaw (‘70) Vice President: Robert A Holroyd (Headmaster) Chairman: James M Ross (H’68) Secretary: Mike Stones (Staff) Hon Treasurer: John S Wallis (L’71) Assistant Secretary: Chris G F Charter (Staff) Elected Committee Members

Mike Stones. The deadline for articles for the

The Commemoration Day at the start of the summer was, with hindsight, blessed with good weather bearing in mind the unseasonable weather that then followed throughout most of the summer. It gave me along with one or too other “men of style” the opportunity to sport the OR Blazer! At the 300th anniversary of the School, OR’s and others raised monies to purchase land that subsequently formed the site of the Chapel and Orchard House. The Society’s contribution this year was not unconnected with that earlier event because we purchased this year new alter frontals, stoles, pulpit falls and a Itabernacle.seefrom

OFFICERS OF THE OLD REPTONIAN SOCIETY 2007

E mail: or@repton.org.uk Website: www.orsociety.com School Website:Editorialwww.repton.org.ukTeam: Chris Charter

President: Robert T J Bond (P’68)

“a Short History of Repton” by Macdonald that Headmaster Ford, who was responsible for the re-founding of the OR Society on a formal basis, (earliest forbears of the Society being a dinner in 1774 and publication of the Terminal Letter from 1885 onwards) commissioned AC Benson to write the School song “Repton” for the 350th celebrations. This year at Commemoration Day, we were delighted to experience the newly commissioned re-arrangement of the School song and those who participated were able to lustily sing the second verse to the original music. What a truly emotional occasion!

edition (May

I look forward to the rest of the celebrations, including our AGM and Dinner and the publication of “Repton to the End” which I urge you all to purchase.

In conclusion, thanks to our Chairman, Officers and Committee.

John F R Hird (P’60) Masonic Lodge Hamer J E Boot (S’95) Football Club Frank W S Russell (O’69) Pilgrims Cricket Club A E (Tony) Bishop (P’72) Golf Club C M (Mike) Keep (O’69 & Staff) Hockey Sanjiv Basu (O’89) Eton Fives Richard C E Lowther (B’85) Tennis C Edward Wilkinson CBE TD DL (C’46) Governors Representative Cathy Twigg Marketing & Development Director 01283 559320 Fax: 01283 559250 & next 2008) is 15th March 2008

PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY 2007 Robert Bond (P’68) It is an honour to be elected as President of the Society but it is particularly an honour and indeed a thrill to be President during the 450th celebrations of the VariousSchool. reports of this year’s events appear in this addition of The Arch and the Society has carried on traditions of previous major celebrations by merging its own events with those of the School Iitself.was delighted that the “Drinks in the City” held at the House of Commons this year was not only a unique experience but also the formal commencement of the School’s 450th Celebrations. I am pleased by the number of Branches that have already had events this year and am only sorry that I have not been able to jet around the world attending all of these, although I was able to get to the Paris dinner earlier this year, which was a great event.

The Old Reptonian Society 1 High DerbyshireReptonStreetDE65 6GD Tel:

Louise Howarth (G’96) London Simon D Armstrong (C’63) Lancashire & Cheshire Martin Grayshon (C’61) Yorkshire T Richard Pepper (H’49) Midlands A J (Tony) Boyce OBE (N’43) West Country Brian J O’Neil (M’49) Eire Eddie Y-F Niem (L’66) Hong Kong Ibrahim Dikko (N’83) Nigeria Philip R Hechle (H’50) East Africa Nicholas P Le Poidevin (C’64) Law Society

CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIETY – James Ross (H’68)

The 450th Anniversary celebrations have been memorable and at the time of writing there are still several more events to be enjoyed before the year ends. The hard work put in by the Committee and OR Secretariat has been justifiably rewarded. Be it the splendour of The Palace of Westminster, Paris in the Spring or Commemoration Day at Repton, all have been wonderful occasions. My own personal highlight was The Chapel Service on Commemoration Day which was a stirring and uplifting experience. The Director of Music, John Bowley, set the tone perfectly with good humour to rouse the congregation and demonstrate the high standard of Repton music. Michael Perham, The Bishop of Gloucester and a former Repton parent, gave a delightful address in which he perfectly encapsulated all that is the spirit of Repton School, its history and attributes.

DIARY OF EVENTS 2007 - 2008 October 9th Boys 1st XI ISFA Cup 2nd Round 11th Girls 1st XI v Solihull (a) 12th -28th Half term 30th Boys 1st XI v Wolverhampton GS Girls’ 1st XI v Dean Close (a) November 3rd Sale of Work 6th Boys 1st XI v Thomas Alleynes Girls 1st XI v Cheltenham College (a) 7th Boys 1st XI v Kimbolton 10th Boys 1st XI v Charterhouse Girls 1st XI v Uppingham OR Society AGM – High Chamber 6 pm OR Reception – 400 Hall or Undercroft 6.45 pm OR Annual Dinner – Pears School 7.30 pm [Booking form enclosed] 13th Boys 1st XI v Manchester GS (a) Girls 1st XI v Loughborough HS 15th School Play - Twelfth Night 16th School Play - Twelfth Night 17th Boys 1st XI v Bolton (a) Girls 1st XI v Wrekin (a) School Play - Twelfth Night 22nd King’s Singers Concert. 24th Boys 1st XI v Grange School Girls 1st XI v Bromsgrove (a) 29th Boys 1st XI Hockey v Worksop (a) December 1st Girls 1st XI v Trent 4th Girls 1st XI v Felsted (a) 7th OR London Branch Christmas Dinner 8th Boys 1st XI v Liverpool Ramblers Girls 1st XI v Dean Close (a) 9th Carol Service 10th Christmas Band Concert Pears School 8 pm 11th Christmas Band Concert Pears School 8 pm 12th End of Term 22nd Young ORs (Year of Leaving: 1996-2006) White Tie & Tiara Christmas Ball – Pears School January 2008 7th Lent Term begins February 7th Drinks in The City & Official Launch of ‘Repton to the End’. City University Club 6.30 pm. [Booking form enclosed] March 19th End of term TBC London Branch Dinner or Drinks London Zoo April 14th Summer Term begins June 5th London Branch Garden Party Markham Square. 7th Gaudy for years of entry Pre 1950 and 1971 –1984 [Details will be forwarded in March 2008]

In the previous edition of The Arch I stated that I am extremely honoured to have been elected Chairman of The OR Society. Events in 2007 have done nothing to diminish that opinion. Repton to the End If you wish to order a copy of the book please call the publishers MillenniumThirdon020 7336 0144 or go to the website at { "http://www.tmiltd.com"HYPERLINK } Pre ordered copies will be distributed in time for Christmas and the official launch of the book will be held on 7th February 2008 at the City University Club [See the enclosed

Haveform]bookingyou ordered your AnniversaryRepton Wine? Orders may be made to the Bretby Wine Company Limited on 01283 225029 or e mail to: { HYPERLINK 3 Repton to the End If you wish to order a copy of the book please call the publishers MillenniumThirdon020 7336 0144 or go to the website at Prewww.tmiltd.comorderedcopies will be distributed in time for Christmas and the official launch of the book will be held on 7th February 2008 at the City University Club [See the enclosed booking form] Have you ordered your AnniversaryRepton Wine? Orders may be made to the Bretby Wine Company Limited on 01283 225029 or e mail www.orsociety.comfoundwineFurtherbretby.wine@btconnect.comto:detailsabouttheandthebookcanbeontheORwebsiteat

The world renowned King’s Singers will be visiting the School on Thursday 22nd November. Formed in 1968 by six Choral Scholars from Kings College Cambridge, the King’s Singers quickly became a prominent musical force in the UK and today the group’s engagements are spread throughout the four corners of the globe so we are delighted to welcome them to Repton for what promises to be a very special concert. Tickets at £15 can be purchased from the School’s Bursar’s Office (01283 559200) and details will be available on the School’s website www.repton.org.uk 2008 GAUDY – 7th June

In December 2007 Chris Charter will retire fully as Assistant Secretary of the Old Reptonian Society, having spent the last 12 months as part-time in the above post. His contribution to the Society has been a huge one throughout his time at Repton. Not only has he “manned the desk” during office hours but he has also played a major role in organising the annual events staged by the OR Society, namely the OR Dinners, Gaudies and Drinks in the City evenings held in London. His attention to detail is exceptional and many has been the occasion which has benefited from that. I think in particular of the Centenary OR dinner and the Mansion House Dinner and Drinks evenings. No time or effort has been spared in order to make the events seem rather special and operate very Itsmoothly.cameas no surprise, therefore, that Chris should be asked by the Headmaster to stay on for Repton’s 450th anniversary year in order to take responsibility for the organisation of the main events. Chris has accordingly “masterminded” the launch of the celebrations at the House of Commons in February, the Commemoration Day in May at Repton and several anniversary gatherings around the world.

Edward was one of several who saw the need to restructure the Society and was a great supporter of mine during my six years as Chairman of the Society. I greatly appreciated his encyclopaedic knowledge of Derbyshire, Repton and OR’s as well as his guidance and encouragement.

Edward, or “The Brigadier”, as he is affectionately known retires from his various Repton appointments at the end of 2007 and the Committee felt that we should not miss this opportunity of firstly recording our sincere thanks for all his hard work and secondly, highlighting his achievements for the Society and the School over the Edwardyears.was

President of the OR Society in 1993 and appointed a Governor of the School the same year. In addition, he was a founding Trustee of the Repton Foundation and subsequently became its Chairman in 2000.

It is not just in these capacities that Chris will be missed. Many ORs will feel that they, like me, have come to know Chris as a friend. His cheerful, calm presence at all OR events has been greatly appreciated. I am sure that all ORs will join me in wishing him a long and happy retirement with his wife, Vanessa, who has also supported OR events loyally, and thanking him for all that he has done for the Society. Mike Stones

TRIBUTE TO BRIGADIER EDWARD WILKINSON CBE TD DL (C’46)

Chris came to Repton School in 1998 when he established the Repton Foundation and was appointed its first Director. It quickly became apparent that the development of the Foundation went hand in hand with that of the Old Reptonian Society and since I assumed the role of OR Secretary in 2001 a close harmony has certainly existed between the two offices. When it was decided to re-style the OR magazine, changing it from the Terminal Letter to The Arch, it was Chris who came up with the title of the new publication. His work towards the editing and construction of the numerous issues since that changeover has been immense and should in no way be under-estimated. The sheer popularity of each issue is a tribute to him.

King’s Singers Concert – 22nd November 2007

The Gaudy for 2008 will be held on Saturday 7th June and will be for ORs who entered the School in 1950 and before and between the years 1971-1984. Full details and a booking form will be sent in March to all ORs within the Gaudy year brackets.

In his capacity as Governor’s representative to the OR Society, he has been an invaluable and dedicated supporter, attending almost every meeting without fail, and if not attending then ensuring that information and comments were submitted to the Secretary. Edward has always provided timely information on the successes and the appointments of notable OR’s and has been instrumental in the “Rogues Gallery” – the photographs of prominent OR’s that features on the wall near the Undercroft.

I cannot imagine that Edward will not maintain his contacts with both the Society and the School and I am sure he will continue to provide insightful comments on the Society’s performance. Edward, from all of us in the Society we thank you for all your commitment and support. Best wishes to you and your wife Joy. Robert Bond (P’ 68) President FAREWELL TO CHRIS CHARTER

BIRTHS To Simon Oborn (O’89) and Madeleine, a daughter, Matilda Alice, on 29th April 2007.

To Christopher Timothy Kershaw (H’91) and Cristina, a son, Nicholas who was born on 27th April 2007.

Michael A Chamberlain (M’52) was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2007 for services to the Church of England. Jonathan Harvey (N’53) had been awarded the first Giga-Hertz Award for Electronic Music. The citation states it’s a lifetime award to “Jonathan Harvey for his extensive oeuvre at the cross roads between electronic and instrumental music.” This is the highest award for electronic music worldwide today. Also in May this year he became the current RPS Music Awards Winner for the category of Large-Scale Compositions for his orchestral work “….towards a pure land”. James Fenton (H’63) has won the Queen’s Gold Medal for Poetry. The award will be collected from Buckingham Palace in the summer. James won Oxford’s Newdigate prize for poetry when a student at Magdalen College. James Tipper (B'85) will be representing Great Britain at the World Masters Athletics Championships in Riccione, Italy in September 2007 in the 200m sprint. Ian Hall (N’90) has been appointed editor of Public Affairs News, based in Westminster. He was previously News Editor of PR Week magazine. Charlotte Wright (nee Mitchell) (A’91), who is an Investment Manager with Brewin Dolphin, won the Financial Category at the 2008 Birmingham Young Professional of the Year Awards, organised by Birmingham Future.

To Sara Ferdinando (G’92) and Adrian Gration, a daughter, Isabella Rose on 22nd February 2007. To Alastair (P’83) and Rowena Cochrane (A’87) (nee Oldale) a daughter, Lucy Catherine on 1st August 2007, a sister for Kaia, Jack and Zoe. To Neil Hingorani (B’79) and Sophie a daughter, Nancy Louise on 27th January 2007, a little sister for Charlie. ENGAGEMENTS Edward Cursham (H’75) to Karen Dewsbury. Rajen Patel (M’87) to Gabriela de La Concha of San Diego. Tom Chambers (N’90) to Clare Harding (A’95). [Photo left] Sara Ferdinando (G’92) to Adrian Gration. The wedding will take place in St Lucia on 18th February 2008. Richard Sarangi (C’93) to Emma Nathan of Burton on Trent Georgina Bailey (A’94) to Tim Burke (Ex Foremarke). The wedding takes place on 9th September 2007. Photographs of the wedding will be in the next edition of The Arch. MARRIAGES William Goring (P’90) to Lindsey Rebecca Bell on 26th August 2006 at Penny Hill Park in Bagshot, Surrey. They are now living and working in Dubai. [Photo right] Richard Cook (O’79) to Samantha Conti on 30th June 2007 in Milan. The photo left shows: Adrian Cawood (M’72), Mark Cann (O’79), Gerry Slora (O’80), Richard Cook (O’79), Richard Ingles (O’79), Andrew Seaton (L’90) and Charles Penty (O’79) who all attended the wedding.

NEWS

OLD REPTONIANS’

Claire Haseldine (A’91) has graduated with an MBA from Derby University. H Brian Williams (Staff 1949-1959) played a prominent part in the recent BBC 2 series Lost World of the Raj. He had been an officer in the Indian Civil service from 1940 until independence in 1947, and he and his wife Margaret were shown visiting some of their former postings and talking most interestingly about their experiences. Brian Williamson was a Scholar of B.N.C. with a double first in Mathematics, and apart from his teaching, ORs will remember him as a master who was active in many roles. Most notably he was Master i/c Shooting when Repton won the Ashburton Shield in 1958 and as Careers Master he laid the ground for his successors in that very important position. He also found time to be Secretary of the Parochial Church Council. He left Repton to become Headmaster of Brigg Grammar School and now lives in retirement in Lincolnshire.

Are you interested in playing football, meeting up every week with fellow ORs, and beating the likes of Malvern, Shrewsbury, Eton, Westminster, Charterhouse, Harrow and Lancing on a weekly basis? The first two are particularly satisfying. We play in the Arthurian League, which runs in and around London from September to May each year. For decades the ORFC has been running between one and three teams, and has thrived and given enormous pleasure to generations of ORs.

The Old Reptonians have won the coveted Arthur Dunn Cup 11 times since 1903, having appeared in 23 finals, and only 4 years ago the ORs became the first team from a northern public school to win the premier division. Sadly, the Flintoffesque celebrations ran for three years thereafter and have finally taken their toll, which has resulted in relegation to the first division this season. Believe me: we went down in style. 6

REPTON PILGRIMS

1st Round Loss Sad to report a loss at the hands of Rugby on Sunday 10th June. Those that played all contributed, but it is frustrating to go out in the 1st round when we know the side would have been much stronger for rounds 2 and 3. We lost the toss, which was not a good start on a seaming and swinging morning. We found ourselves at 104-6, with only captain Jon Sheard making a significant contribution (42) and both veterans, Tony Stubbs and Mike Murray, felt their LBWs were poor decisions. A good rally then from Tom Swerling, unbeaten on 40 and Tom Boulton, helped us to struggle to 173. But criminally we did not use up all our overs and another 20 or so may have made all the difference. Our openers were expensive but tight spin from Jack Lamb, 2-29 and Tony Stubbs 1-12, brought the game back and at 86-4 Rugby were tottering. But that was the last success and Rugby got home with 3 overs to spare, without further loss.

2007 Season Well what can you say except that the rain fell and fell and fell! The season looks like this: Played 2 lost 2 – Besides the Cricketer Cup defeat (see below) the club also lost a good game against the School as part of the 450th anniversary celebrations on Commemoration Day 26th May. [Photo left]. The Speech Day game was abandoned before a ball was bowled and at the same time so was the Week. The last hope was the Wednesday match against The Derbyshire Friars at Queens Park Chesterfield. But when we asked ‘Is there any chance?’ we were told “Sorry there are still carp on the outfield!!”

OLD REPTONIANS’ NEWS continued Jonathan Hart (H’86). Belated congratulations to Jonathan who married Diptyka on 23rd June 2006 at Silchester House, Reading. [Photo left] Edward J H Every (N’88) to Miss Sosennah Siviter on 14th July 2007 at St Wilfrid’s Church, Egginton. ORs present included Jonathan Every (N’91), Nicholas Every (N’96), James Cannon (N’88), Simon Webster (N’88), Peter Lilliott (M’88), Jasper Stephens (L’87), Toby Stephens (L’87), and Robert Kennedy (L’62). Russell Muir was also present and of course father, Sir Henry Every Bt, School Governor.[Photo right]

Frank Russell DO YOU PLAY FOOTBALL?

BRANCHES OF THE SOCIETY

The Dinner David Pilch has secured the committee dining room at Lord’s on 7 March 2008. Those that attended last time will know what a splendid venue this is, which last time included a tour of the pavilion, including the Long Room. Members will be sent forms with the 2008 fixture card early in the New Year.

THEN COME AND JOIN THE OR FOOTBALL CLUB PARTY!

Patrick Franklin-Adams LEAVERS 2007

The Bernard Darwin: Repton defeated Winchester easily in the first round by 3 matches to nil with ‘New Boy’ Paul Baglee, having reached the age of 55, making his debut. The second round match versus Eton was very finely balanced with all three pairs going to the 18th. Peter Gill and Richard George playing top pair and aware that all three matches were finely balanced set off down the 19th and duly won. David Pepper and John Bolsover having played steadily throughout just failed to make their par at the last in the pouring torrential rain leaving Patrick F-A to sink an uphill four-footer through the waterlogged green, which he "rapped" but it failed to make it through the water leaving Eton to progress through to the semi-final and then lose in the final.

BRANCHES OF THE SOCIETY continued That’s where you come in. We are currently seeking new ORs, irrespective of footballing prowess to bolster our squads. We currently have a mix of ex 1st X1, 2nd X1 and non School team players making up our weekly teams, and would welcome hearing from anyone who is either living in and around London, or thinking of moving there in the coming months or years. We play regular, well structured football amidst a friendly atmosphere and have recently recruited the glamorous OR social luminaries that are Amanda Fallon and Louise Howarth as the social secretaries to the Club. Bring a large bottle. We cater for all standards. We look forward to hearing from any number of you. Please contact either Hamer Boot at hamer.j.boot@jpmorgan.com, Neal Rushton at neal.rushton@accenture.com, Louise Howarth at louise.howarth@allenovary.com or Graham Blakesley on 01582 766868, 07836 212908 or at mpgb@mac.com Graham Blakesley GOLF SOCIETY

A very warm welcome to the Old Reptonian Society to all leavers of 2007 and best wishes for the next stage of your careers. Do keep in touch; in particular please inform the Secretary of any change of address and let us know all your news. We hope to see you at an OR event in the near future.

Friday 7 December 2007 - OR London Branch Christmas Dinner. Provisional booking for Julie's in Notting Hill. Before this can be confirmed we need an indication of numbers therefore please contact ORLondon@hotmail.co.uk. to confirm interest. Depending upon numbers, the cost of this event including wine, water, service and their Christmas menu should be in the region of £45. March 2008 - We have the possibility of a dinner or drinks event at London Zoo. However we need an indication of numbers before this can be confirmed. Please email ORLondon @hotmail Thursday 5 June 2008 from 7 to 9 pm -Garden Party at Markham Square Gardens, SW3. Availability for this event will be limited to 100 and tickets are expected to be charged at £19.50 to cover the cost of the drinks and hire of the gardens.

The 2008 Drinks in The City will be held at the City University Club, 50 Cornhill, London EC3V 3PD, on Thursday 7th February from 6.30 – 9 pm. This event will also be used as the official launch of the book ‘Repton to The End’, when the Headmaster, Robert Holroyd, and Editor, John Plowright, will be available to sign copies of the book. The book will be on sale during the evening but please bring along your own copy if you would like it signed. If you have pre ordered a copy it should be posted to you by the publishers by Christmas. The ticket price of £20 per person includes drinks (wine) and canapés. A booking form is included with this edition of The Arch .co.uk to confirm interest.

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE BOOK ‘REPTON TO THE END’

On Friday 27 April, 80 ORs as well as current members of staff enjoyed the launch party of the newly-formed OR London Branch. The party started in earnest at 5.30pm in the setting of the Adams Club near the Strand. After initial speeches from Robert Bond (P’68), the OR President and Neal Rushton (P’94), the OR Football Club Captain, the ORs ranging from year of entry 1943 to year of entry 2003 spent a lively evening reminiscing, discussing current projects and future ideas. The event also served to boost interest for the OR Football Club which is in need of a few more volunteers. The event was a roaring success with all generations entertaining each other until the wee hours of Saturday morning. Special thanks go to Louise Howarth (G’96), Amanda Fallon (G’96), Lucy Chilton (G’96) and Kate Ainge (F’97), who made the whole event happen and have been instrumental in reviving the London Branch.

THURSDAY 7th FEBRUARY 2008

LONDON BRANCH LAUNCH PARTY

DRINKS IN THE CITY 2008

FUTURE EVENTS IN LONDON

frontals,

Some 560 guests attended the celebrations which began with a very moving service in the Chapel. A memorial to Robert Beldam CBE (P'27) was blessed by The Bishop of Gloucester, The Rt Revd Michael Perham, and he also blessed new altar stoles, pulpit falls and a tabernacle that were presented by the Old Reptonian Society to mark the School's 450th anniversary. The service ended with the singing of a specially arranged anthem by Bob Chilcott of 'Dear Lord and Father of Mankind'

11 am: Commemoration Service in the Chapel

450th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

Henry VIII founded the diocese of Gloucester in 1541. So it reached its 450th anniversary 16 years before you. Whether it had the imagination to celebrate it I don’t know, for I wasn’t then its bishop. What I do know is that I have only once before consciously marked a 450th anniversary. Two years ago they processed me out of my cathedral to the spot where in 1555 they burnt John Hooper, the second Bishop of Gloucester, at the stake for heresy. That was just two years before John Port founded Repton Sch ool. It came into being in that age of political turmoil and religious controversy. I am pleased to be celebrating a happier 450th anniversary. We may all rejoice that we live in times less violent than those in which Repton School was born.

For many present this morning Repton has been a part of their life from a very young age, life without Repton hardly imaginable. I have to confess that, as a former Repton parent, but not a former Repton pupil, I managed to live the first fifty years of my life knowing Repton only through books. Worse than that, you may think, for the books were books of ecclesiastical biography. On my shelves are Iremonger’s biography of William Temple, Repton headmaster, Carpenter’s life of Geoffrey Fisher, Repton headmaster, Chadwick’s life of Michael Ramsey, rather unhappy Repton student. The three were, of course, successive Archbishops of Canterbury, from the 1940s to the 1970s. The Repton I knew about came entirely from what their biographers wrote. Owen Chadwick describes it like this. Repton was an Anglo-Saxon town, on the south bank of the River Trent, and was at one time a chief city of the Kingdom of Mercia. Saxon remains could still be found among the buildings, there is a Saxon crypt to the church, and the setting is hauntingly beautiful. It was one of the schools that came out of the Reformation, for it was founded in the reign of Queen Mary by a landowner who sat for Derbyshire in Parliament. Like several such places it was a quiet little charity school until the railways came and boys could travel long distances to school and the Victorians needs of parents turned it over two decades into a modern and reputable independent school. “The setting is hauntingly beautiful.” Chadwick certainly got that right. Generations of Reptonians have probably taken it for granted most of the time. Especially if you are young, you cannot be permanently entranced by your surroundings. But the setting is hauntingly beautiful and the history, going back to the second half of the 7th century, complex and remarkable. All this I knew from I came and saw for myself. I don’t know quite what I expected. Perhaps a rather more sad monastic ruin. After all the Danes destroyed the Abbey in the 9th century and later, a little before John Port made his will, Henry’s commissioners dissolved the Augustinian Priory. No, what I did see, and what you always see, but perhaps take for granted, is an ancient hauntingly beautiful place brought to life, made thoroughly contemporary, wonderfully vibrant with life, with fun, with friendship. You can see that if you drive through the village, if you stop to let students cross the road. Sometimes you see it framed in The Arch, all that remains of the medieval Priory Gateway, and through it walking young men and women, absorbed in conversation, enjoying one another’s company, making the old stones live. And, though I guess you can’t see this, you can soon discover it, as you get to know the school, that here is not just vibrancy of life, fun, friendship, but also intellectual curiosity, enthusiasm for academic, artistic and sporting pursuits and an exploration of knowledge and of values. And the response to that has to be gratitude, thankfulness. “Rejoice,” says the apostle Paul in that passage we heard. It is one of two strong verbs he includes. “Rejoice”. That’s a key word for today. Rejoice in this ancient place of haunting beauty, that is not just deadly heritage, but throbs with life and vitality. “Rejoice,” says Paul, and - this is his second verb - “think”. “Think about these things.” And the things he wants you to think about are whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise. And I hope your experience is that these are things you found here, find here, believe people will aspire to here, the things that matter. I came and saw for myself, but I haven’t yet described to you what to me is the very heart of Repton. And it may be just for me and never have made any impact on you. But let me share it with you. It is a holy place; there is no other description that will do. It isn’t here, this chapel, for all the associations it has for many of you, itself 150 years old this year. No, you have to go to St Wystan’s Parish Church and take yourself down those steps to the Saxon crypt, the oldest Christian site in Derbyshire. It is rather under-stated when you get there and I wish someone would have the imagination (and perhaps the money) to make a little more of it. But it is an immensely sacred space. You almost want to take off your shoes, for you stand on holy ground. There, at the very heart of this community, once monastic, now scholastic, is a place where, quietly, you can catch a sense, perhaps just an echo, of the divine Difficult to articulate, but something that puts you in touch with reality beyond this world. Maybe you know the crypt and have experienced it. Maybe you haven’t. Go and see for yourself.

Sermon Preached by The Bishop of Gloucester, The Right Reverend Michael Perham.

Butbooks.then

In this there is something important for me. In this secular, multi-cultural, consumer age in which we live, a world away from the one where Headmasters of Repton became Archbishops of Canterbury without even tryingIn this culture, full of vibrancy, intellectual curiosity and the good things Paul invites you to think about - the true, the honourable, the just, the pure, the excellent -

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

During this service we have blessed some gifts to mark this anniversary. They relate to another manifestation of the sense of the divine in the life of the school. They relate to the altar and to the eucharist where, through faith, the Christian draws very close to the mystery of God’s being and his holiness. And a tabernacle is simply a home for the consecrated bread that hides the presence of Christ. Through the eyes of faith, it is holy ground. Another expression of the sense of the divine.

We are all very different people. We will not all sense the divine in the same place. For me it may be in the Saxon crypt, steeped in contemplative prayer through 13 centuries. For some it may be here in this chapel kneeling before the tabernacle of the presence of Christ. For some the sense of the divine may come in a moment of revelation through their studies, for some in a work of literature, for some in hearing a piece of music, for some in friendship, for some in the open air. But I do believe that the life that is lived, without some sense, some echo, of the divine, though it be filled with vibrancy and curiosity, though it engage with the true, the honourable, the commendable, the excellent, lacks something that animates and transforms.

And, by the grace of God, I think young men through the generations and now young men and women in this generation have often caught something of that here. It may not have made them overtly religious. (You do not all look overtly religious!) It will not have protected them from the challenges of faith. But they may well have had planted deep within them a sense of the divine.

The oldest OR present John Hedley (H’30) and the Head Girl Susie Gilbert

In a society where, to be honest, God has been pushed to the margins and people make sense of life without him, even if they occasionally dabble in a rather self-centred spiritualityIn all of that, somewhere near the heart, there still needs to be, still can be, a sense, maybe sometimes only the echo of a sense, of the divine, somewhere near the heart holy space.

And the place, of course, where it most needs to be located, is not in the crypt or in the tabernacle, but in the heart. And as the school moves on towards its half-millennium, that I won’t see, but you younger ones probably will, however secular our culture continues to be, it would be good to believe that Repton will continue to be a place where the hauntingly beautiful setting might help create in the individual and in the community rather more than an echo of the sense of the divine.

In that thought, rejoice!

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued 11.30 am: School 1st XI v Repton Pilgrims After a very close match the School 1st X1 won by 2 wickets. The Pilgrims team was: G Ralphs, J Lamb, C Paget, D O’Gram, C Wall, T Swerling, J Blackwell, J Sheard, A Clarke, J Proctor and R Furnival. 12 noon - 1 pm: Jazz Band performance on the steps of Pears School 12

A chance to meet up with old friends. ORs gathered from all over the UK and abroad, including Richard Parsons (N’35) from Australia, Dimitri Goldin (P’99) from Austria, Claude Heywood (N’46) from Canada, Roger Smith (P’66) from Finland and Andrew Stockman (H’67) from Germany.

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

12.30 - 2 pm: Reception and Summer Luncheon (canapés style) in Marquee on the Paddock

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued 14

This special concert featured the School Orchestra, Concert Band and Chapel Choir and many Old Reptonian musicians returned to join the performance. Included in the programme was Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue performed by the eminent Old Reptonian pianist, Alvin Moisey (L’75). Also included was a composition, Climbing Frame, by Jonathan Harvey (N’53). Repton singers known as The Reptiles gave a marvelous rendition of A Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square, the words for which were composed by Eric Maschwitz (H’15). The Headmaster gave an excellent speech (reproduced later in this article) at the beginning of the concert and the performance concluded with a short address by Sir Christopher Rose (L’50), the Patron of the 450th Anniversary, prior to the singing of the School song.

2.15 pm - 3.15 pm: Concert in Pears School

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

Tours of the School were conducted by current pupils and ORs had the opportunity to visit their old Houses and see the many new developments around the school estate.

“What a glorious and nostalgic day. The memories that came flooding back over the years were a hundredfold when I again saw and entered those beautiful old buildings. What a transformation from ancient to modern has taken place without losing their ancient beauty. The service in Chapel was perfect and the singing was just as it should be, raising the roof as Mervyn Williams taught us and would have reveled in had he been there.”

“The warm and efficient welcome by the pupils and the way we were looked after during the day gave a good indication that Repton is flourishing in its 450th year.”

“It was a joyous occasion that provoked admiration and pride and was not without emotion. The Chapel service set the tone and after that experience we all knew we were in for something special. Congratulations and may the School continue to flourish.”

4.00 - 5.00 pm: Tea in the Marquee on the Paddock

“It was an inspirational visit with the most lovely chapel service.”

3.15 - 4.00 pm: Tours of the School conducted by Pupils.

Photographs by Andy Weeekes

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

After the event many letters and e mails were received by the Headmaster and the OR Office and it was clear from the comments made that it was truly a special day for everyone who attended. Comments included:

“On arrival it was immediately very obvious to both of us that Repton is buzzing. The grounds were immaculate, the organisation of the whole day faultless, lovely music, pupils who could not have been more polite and helpful, many old friends and a great day which will be long remembered by ORs.”

Photographs by Chris Charter

The day ended with tea and cakes back in the marquee on the paddock and a final chance to meet up with contemporaries before heading home. It was truly a memorable and fun day when many friendships were renewed. Everyone agreed that Repton is in very good hands and is moving from strength to strength.

My Lord, Ladies and Gentlemen, May I begin by thanking each one of you wholeheartedly for joining us today in this centrepiece of the celebration of the School’s 450th year. It is a great support and encouragement to me to see so many of you here with us whether as friends, cricketers in the Pilgrims XI, or members of the orchestra, and I know these are sentiments Sir Christopher Rose, Patron of the Anniversary, will share when he speaks to you towards the end of this occasion. I would also like to say a special thank you to The Right Reverend Michael Perham, Bishop of Gloucester, for making the journey to be with us today and preaching such a memorable and challenging sermon to us in the Commemoration Service. You will, of course, all be very welcome at the many other whole School birthday events, for example the Anniversary Concerts in July and the Son et Lumiere pageant in September, but today is a special day for the ORs, and it is my privilege to address you on this occasion to celebrate our shared heritage and set out briefly how we plan to take the School forward on the next stage of its journey.

It gives me great pleasure, at Chris Charter’s request, to reproduce below the text of my address to those of you who were able to be with us on the occasion of Commemoration Day. In it I aim to set out the School’s current position in the context of the 450th Anniversary as well as outlining the plans the Governors and I have developed to guide us towards the Quinquecentenary in 2057. I hope this piece, together with the List of Achievements 2006/2007 appended beneath will give you a flavour of what has been accomplished in the last twelve months and where we hope to head in the future

As I have come to discover since I was lucky enough to be appointed to the headmastership of Repton in September 2003, this is no ordinary place. Neither is it, of course, any ordinary task to define what constitutes the distinctive identity of Repton, or indeed that of any institution, but four years on, and benefiting from the experience of those who know the School far better than I do, I would hazard a guess that the golden thread that binds us together today is a sense of friendship and a respect for one’s fellow men nurtured in a less self-conscious and more relaxed, down to earth way than is the case in many of the establishments that could justifiably claim to be, along with Repton, one of England’s great schools. Teaching the young that relationships with others is the key to life, and doing so with a lightness of touch that means that the lesson has lasting impact, is surely what Repton is all about. This quality for me is beautifully summed up in the vignette of one of our greatest housemasters dealing with a miscreant boy in his first week in the School not so very long ago. A game of yard football had disintegrated, as these games occasionally do, into an informal scrum and suddenly the new recruit found himself at the bottom of a melee of bodies and on the receiving end of some pretty wild and physical attempts to retrieve the ball. The plucky B Blocker, not to be put upon in this way, retaliated with an equally robust verbal volley at whose flavour a Headmaster can merely hint : ‘Stuff off Smith, p…. off Jones, b….. off Brown’ said the new boy in an ever increasing crescendo of expletives ….. only to look up and see the figure of his Housemaster witnessing all at the window of the House Library several floors above. One gesture of the finger was enough to summon the offender to the Housemaster’s study where he was soon ushered in to learn his fate. ‘At Repton’ said the great man, ‘we do not ……. address each other by our surnames.’ What a fortunate Reptonian that new boy was to experience such dextrous wisdom and it is that lightness of touch in emphasising the importance of human relationships that is, perhaps, the constant that binds us all together today.

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

From the Headmaster, Robert Holroyd. Dear ORs

And yet, of course, the kaleidoscope shifts from generation to generation, the strengths and weaknesses change. Lynham Thomas, in his 1957 speech at the celebration of the School’s 400th anniversary, rightly celebrated the Herculean achievements of Repton cricket and football in the 1950’s and earlier, and it is, of course, important that we sustain and cherish such traditions in the Repton of the new millennium. Indeed I hope ORs have enjoyed the quality of the games they have seen at the School in recent years as we have continued to achieve national success at hockey, cricket soccer and tennis. And yet, it would, in my view, be quite wrong merely to try to recreate the glory days of the past in a set of circumstances that are very different from those that produced the likes of Crawford, the Palairets, Fry and later the great Hutton and Carr dynasties. No school of today could do that and no route leads more quickly to educational mediocrity than the slavish hankering after the past. What excites me about the Repton of today, and the School that has developed since those brilliantly organised celebrations of 1957, is that the traditions have been respected and nurtured, but at the same time new ground broken and new challenges taken on. Is it too fanciful to say that the Repton of today is, in certain aspects, less harsh than its 1950’s counterpart, more accepting of a broader range of talent across the spectrum in allowing the prototype fashion designer to flourish alongside the embryo sports man or woman. In suggesting this, I am, of course, aware of the great teachers in Repton’s past who have always striven to open up the cultural horizons of their pupils, from Arthur Burd and Victor Gollancz to Gilbert Stocks and Dennis Hawkins. But what we have now is, perhaps, a change of emphasis, the shifting of the kaleidoscope, so that more opportunities are now open to more individuals on a broader range of fronts than was once the case. The fact that the School has evolved in this way is, of course, due largely to the foresight of preceeding Chairmen, Boards of Governors, Bursars, Headmasters and Common Rooms in managing the transition to co-education with such finesse. Some schools make the naïve presumption that girls can simply be bolted on to boost numbers and academic results. The reality is that the move to full coeducation takes years of skilful planning and the Repton of today is now richly reaping the rewards of the foundations laid so expertly by John Gammell, David Jewell and Graham Jones in previous decades.

Refurbished Audit Room in the Old Priory New Textile School

The challenge for us, as we straddle this fulcrum between the School’s 400th and 500th anniversaries, is to sustain the best of the past but also to look ahead and anticipate the moves that will ensure that Repton becomes even stronger as we approach 2057. Schools are not, ultimately, about facilities – they are about people and developing the golden relationships that shape lives. Repton has always been good at that. But facilities do make an important difference in so far that wisely planned and integrated they inspire the young to new horizons, and this is why we must be ambitious for future generations in the same way as the custodians of Repton’s past have been ambitious for us today. The Repton of 2007 is well placed to achieve demanding goals. In September, we shall have 610 pupils on the roll. Please don’t be alarmed at that - we do not plan to expand further and change the essential proportions of the place, but it is important to be full if we are to achieve our aims. And the progress of recent years, due in no small measure to the generosity and support of all of you present today and the wider OR community in general, has given us a strong base.

I hope you will enjoy today seeing the newly refurbished Old Priory, the new English classrooms in the Old Mitre, extensions to the Mitre, Priory, Latham and Abbey and the conversion of the Old Squash Courts into a new Textiles School that will enable us to become a national leader in this field. It is, too, largely through the generosity of ORs that we have such a strong scheme in place to enable pupils from less affluent homes to attend Repton, and through the contacts and influence of ORs that we are able to look forward to the opening of Repton Dubai in September, with 300 pupils enrolled for the junior section and waiting lists already established. The next phase of the Plan will see New House and School House redeveloped and the Music School refurbished to incorporate a recording studio and improved concert and practice facilities. These are important developments. But they will not, on their own, enable us to achieve our goal of becoming the leading boarding school in the Midlands. That will require a broader vision, incorporating not only far reaching capital projects but a wider understanding of the School’s place within the local and wider communities and the educational framework of the country. The Governors have, over the past months, considered a number of ways in which we can achieve this goal and it is a privilege for me today to set out they key elements of the Plan they have developed to lead us on from Repton 450 towards Repton 500. The first strand of the Plan centres around the School’s theatrical facilities. Countless Reptonians have benefited from the inspirational productions of the likes of Mike Charlesworth and Guy Levesley in 400 Hall and the School has a distinguished tradition of nurturing both the amateur actor and the would be professional - Tom Chambers, aka Sam Strachan of Holby City fame, being the latest Reptonian to follow in the tradition of Basil Rathbone. The proportions of 400 Hall are pleasant and confidence building, but now the time has come to install new staging, permanent raked seating and an exciting foyer worthy of the quality of drama that the pupils are producing. As well as entailing considerable expense, the realisation of this goal will, of course, require extra space, and the challenge the Governors and I have faced is how to achieve this whilst remaining true to the ideals of our predecessors who set out the Precinct and 400 Hall so imaginatively in 1957. Our proposal, approved in principle by the local planning authorities, is to extend 400 Hall both at the sides and forwards into the Precinct, creating a new glass floor to ceiling frontal that will create substantial foyer space, allow the current foyer to be absorbed into the main redeveloped auditorium and yet preserve the original façade. Thus we will remain faithful to Lynam Thomas’ vision whilst adapting the building to the School’s current needs, so that out of 400 Hall comes 450 Hall, linking the School with its past but also looking ahead to the future.

The second strand of the Governors’ vision for the future development of the School is also rooted in the principle of adapting Repton’s traditions to its future needs. The Old Priory has long been the jewel in the School’s crown, in my view by far the best and most evocative building on our lovely site. Perhaps this is because the Old Priory has served both as a home to generations of clerics and scholars over the centuries, as well as the academic heart of the School in which so many learnt to love the Classics, History and English Literature. How fitting it would be therefore, as we celebrate the School’s 450th anniversary and look towards the Quinquecentenary, to develop these twin goals of community and learning in another fine new building to which future generations will turn with the same respect and affection that we turn to the Old Priory. The Governors’ Plan, therefore, shaped to a very considerable degree by the vision of Professor Alastair Buchan, is to embrace the School’s need for a new science facility, but in doing so not merely to build a new classroom block, but rather an inspirational building that will set new standards amongst schools for the teaching of science and allow pupils and teachers to come together in a setting that is at once social and academic. So the concept is to create a Science Priory, a building that will echo the twin values of its ancestor by comprising not only classrooms, a first class lecture theatre, university style science cave and wireless library, but also a refectory and social area where Reptonians will

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

‘My eye meets the church spire, the famous Repton landmark. Towering into the sky, its point narrowing like the fine tip of a needle. I see in the distance the roofs of Pears, glowing red hazy in the sunlight. The muffled sound of tennis balls being viciously hit half reaches my ears. I hear happy chatter, shouts and laughter on the San Hall. I keep walking, and I view the typical English scene: cricket on the playing field; the quiet, intelligent knock of the ball as it impacts with the bat, and cheers that go up. The sunlight seems to shine perfectly on their white figures.

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

I hear my own feet resounding on the tiled square patterned floor of the 400 Hall. The echoes are subdued by the shout of powerful voices and heavy slams from the stage. I nose in, and glimpse stamping feet through the curtain, issuing a soft glow of theatre light. My heart begins to throb, as I remember what it feels like to be able to become someone else. I interrupt my tracks and enter through the cool, graceful doors of the Chapel. As I stand at the entrance, I can almost hear the hymns – that familiar Repton tune ‘Dear Lord and Father of Mankind’. At the same time, I remember the soft candlelight at Christmas time, where we were captured in its glow, hushed by the spirit of occasion. Further on I enter the Art School and instantly smell a rich mix of turpentine and sawdust. Art is happening all around me, from a small, fine etching, to a mountain of glorious collage. As I touch the work tables, their rough, wooden tops, I remember the patterns I made on their uneven surfaces, marvelling at the effect. So many stories in them, so much to tell. Time is a funny thing. Sometimes it seems to storm past in a flurry of activity and events. And other times the clock travels so painfully slowly, that I wonder when it will end. But five years, in broad speak, is very little time to receive so very much.

So many memories of five short years. Every little detail has its compartment in my mind, each little memory has a place where it is kept safe, remembered, cherished. And so it is. It is Repton, Repton, Repton to the end.’

come to see the study of science not as the pursuit of three separate disciplines but as a translational activity showing how the sciences interact and are at the heart of the problems facing tomorrow’s generation in areas as diverse as information technology, genetics, the carbon footprint, space travel, chemical terrorism and the prevention of famine. By creating a multi-disciplinary environment of this kind, the School intends to invent a novel concept and build a first class investigative resource to support the sciences in much the same way as the Old Priory has been used to support the Arts for the past 450 years. This will be unique in the sector and will therefore provide the best possible resource for preparing pupils for a university education in science. It will also provide an exciting resource for those students requiring a scientific background before proceeding in a non scientific career. In particular, by using the Priory concept, it will help brand a futuristic Repton for the next 50 years as we reach towards the 500th Anniversary. The Science Priory will, of course, require a dedicated site and having made initial surveys one possibility the Governors are considering is the top tier of the hard tennis courts which would of course, have to be resited as a further strand to the development of the School. Importantly, both of the twin projects which lie at the heart of the next phase of the Plan, 450 Hall and the Science Priory would also have extensive possibilities for community use as the School seeks to develop its already strong relations with the wider worlds of education and industry. In short, by placing 450 Hall and the Science Priory at the heart of the School’s development, the aim is to achieve a vision that is both faithful to the past and ambitious for the future as we stretch out towards 2057 determined to do our very best to honour the legacy of our Founder and Benefactors. Fascinating, I can hear you say, but how is it going to be paid for. The School’s finances, thanks to a full pupil roll, generosity of ORs and prudent management by the Board are currently strong, and as well as achieving the targets we have set ourselves on time and in budget since the creation of the Five Year Rolling Plan, the Governors envisage funding the core of this highly ambitious plan from within projected revenues. However it is certain that in order to achieve our goals, we will need your further generous support as we go forward. I do not, of course, underestimate this or the scale of the task ahead, but hope that all of us, to quote the words of the Most Reverend Geoffrey Fisher in 1957, ‘will in due course, translate our excitement into action out of all that we owe to Repton, so that future generations of Reptonians may benefit from the generosity of their forebears as we have benefited from the spectacular generosity of those who have gone before us.’ Detailed projections and timescales will follow, but our aim will be to achieve the twin goals of 450 Hall and the Science Priory within the next five to seven years. Will the School last for a further 450 years? In an age that has seen the overnight collapse of an institution as ancient as Barings Bank, a complacent ‘yes’ is far from an adequate answer. But if we can implement the plans we have laid out, and carry on doing what the School does best, namely looking after every boy and girl in an individual way, then we will stand a very good chance.

Do please buy the book; do sing the song; and do enjoy the concert. Thank you.

I hope, on that note, that it is not too maudlin of me to read you a short extract from a valedictory piece about Repton written by a recent leaver, a girl who came to us with serious deafness and considerable academic difficulties but who left with three B grades at A level, a place at an excellent university, and more importantly her place in society, confidently affirmed.

÷ Alex Fish (L6C) passed his piano diploma with the London College of Music and Media and can now use the letters DipLCM after his name.

÷ Stella d'Arch Smith (L6M) was awarded an Army Sixth Form Scholarship and Josephine Crawford (L6G) a RAF Sixth Form Scholarship

÷ Harriette Doxey (5G) and Lee Bilson (5L) were both awarded Arkright Scholarships

÷ The Art Department hosted exhibitions by our A-level and GCSE candidates, and also by Adrian Mylward, Esq.

÷ Adarsh Trivedi (U6L), Kieron Lomax (U6L), James Corran (L6L), Eleanor Holroyd (4F) and Jennifer Stefaniuk (4M) all represented the School with distinction in the annual Greek and Latin Reading Competition, held at the City of London School.

÷ Alec Farmer (U6P) designed the logo for the Repton School 450th Anniversary, which can be seen on all 450th publications.

COMMEMORATION DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007 continued

÷ Susie Gilbert (U6F) and Charlotte Craddock (5A) both won gold medals with the Great Britain Under 20 Hockey team at the Youth Olympics in January 2007, beating China, New Zealand and, in the final, Australia. Both girls also represented England at Under 21 and Under 18 level respectively.

÷ Stephen Atwood (4P) was called up to the Midlands Under 16 and Wales Under 17 Hockey squads. Alex Clarke-Dowson (3P) toured Holland with the Midlands Under 15 Hockey squad. Richard Lawrence (5P) was selected for the Midlands Under 17 Hockey squad and won the National Championships with Beeston Under 18s. Dan Wood (4P), Josh Golding (3P) and Alex Clarke-Dowson (3P) were all members of the Derbyshire Under 15 Hockey team.

Repton School Achievements and Activities in

÷ Drama: The Junior School Play was The Demon Headmaster. The Abbey and The Priory staged Jesus Christ Superstar. The Orchard staged Ernie’s Incredible Illusions

÷ Twenty collections of carefully made garments designed and modelled by pupils were on display at the Fashion Show

2006/2007

÷ Martin Jones Esq. won his 100th Hockey cap when he represented England against Germany in April 2007.

÷ The Debating Society enjoyed another very successful season, exploring topics such as anti-social behaviour, the death penalty and women's rights. Two teams acquitted themselves well in the Durham University Schools Debating Competition.

÷ Harriet Fell (5F) was the top scorer for both the Derbyshire Under 17s and Midland Under 15s Hockey teams and reached national finals with both.

÷ Twenty-two pupils have completed their Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award. Anna Driver (U6F) has finished her Gold Award. Other notable achievements include Charlotte Walster (5A) who single-handedly raised over £600 for the Service section of the Silver Award and Sophie Griffiths (L6F) who is on track to complete the Gold Award in the fastest time in some years.

÷ Many visitors came to the School to speak. Among the lecturers to the Upper Sixth this year were Matthew Parris, Benedict Allen, Sir Nicholas Barrington (OR), Allan Mallinson, Freddie Knoller and Peter Barton.

÷ The Navarra String Quartet had their first year at Repton, providing inspirational support to all our players. Several string quartets have been formed at the School.

÷ Tim Gilbert (U6O) and Georgie Twigg (L6F) both represented England in Hockey at Under 18 level.

÷ The School Unison and Harmony competitions were won by The Abbey and School House respectively; both were strongly contested . During the Remembrance Day service the entire School sang the ‘Libera Me’ from Faure’s Requiem

÷ The Subscription Concert Series was yet again of the highest quality and very well supported by the wider community.

÷ Peter Stones (U6L) was awarded a place to read Music at the UCE Birmingham Conservatoire

÷ This year’s GCSE overall pass rate has increased almost 2% to 98.2% from 96.3 % in 2006. In addition the percentages of A* and A passes are each better than those achieved last year with 64% of pupils achieving an A* or an A. Four of the School’s GCSE students have achieved A* grades in 10 subjects

÷ The Charity Cabaret, involving some 150 pupils, raised nearly £11,000 for The Orpheus Centre, our Lent Term charity.

÷ In external public examinations, our A-level students have achieved superb results this year, with 85.9 % of the passes being awarded an A or a B grade. Of these more than half (57.2 %) of the passes received an A grade making it a record-breaking year. This is the first time in the School’s history that it has exceeded 80 per cent of passes in the top two grades and a record number of candidates, sixteen, have also gained four or more A grade passes. In addition eleven of these students will be granted their Oxbridge places

÷ The Boys’ Under 18 Hockey team reached the National semi-finals, our best performance for several years.

÷ There have been many foreign trips: the Spanish and Geography Departments ran a trip to Costa Rica, and the Spanish Department a trip to Cantabria. The Classics Department visited Turkey. The Art Department took the Sixth Form Artists to New York. The Under 15 cricketers toured South Africa. There were ski trips to Courcheval and Val D’Isere. The senior footballers are going to Valencia in August.

Notable performances were given by Yevgeny Sudbin and The Pacifica Quartet.

÷ A team of Repton Sixth Formers reached The Bank of England/Times Interest Rate Challenge area finals.

÷ In Music, the School Orchestra played in November and on Commemoration Day. The Chamber Choir, Concert Band and Jazz Band have performed regularly throughout the year. The School’s close harmony group, ‘The Reptiles’, was formed and performed in the November concert, on Commemoration Day and at the Speech Day concert.

÷ The Opera Society took trips to Tristan and Isolde, The Magic Flute and Carmen

÷ The Girls’ Under 18 Hockey team won the National Championships for the third year running.

÷ Sale of Work raised £29,800 which was donated to a total of seventy-eight local, national and international charities.

÷ David Jones (L6L) competed at the All England Schools Athletics Championships. Nicholas Salmon (U6P) became the Derbyshire Under 18 Hurdles champion and Harry Welch (L6P), the Derbyshire Under 18 Javelin champion. Luke Carlile (5L) and Jonathan Hendrickx (5N) have been invited to compete at the regional stages of the National Championships. The James Kropaczy Relays were successfully held on Commemoration Day.

÷ Having competed in the Open and Youth events at the Yachting World Championships in Argentina, Peter Perera (L6L) has been selected to represent Great Britain at the European Championships in Sweden in August.

÷ In fencing John Hignett (3L) won the gold medal at the East Midlands Regional Event and then went on to compete at national level.

On the 450th anniversary of Sir John Port’s death on 6th June the Chaplain, Adam Watkinson, the Assistant Secretary of the OR Society, Chris Charter, and the Head Boy, Fraser Mason (P) went to Etwall Church and laid some flowers on his tomb. The vicar of Etwall Parish joined the group and a few prayers were said in memory of Sir John Port.

continued

10th November 2007: Dinner at Repton School. See enclosed booking form for details.

16th November 2007: Lunch at a Club in Dublin. For further details please contact Brian O’Neill (M’49) at bandhoneill@eircom.net

÷ Our Girls’ Football team has had remarkable success in a very short time. The Repton team reached the final of the National Independent Schools Six-a-side Tournament. Five girls have been selected for the ISFA Girls representative team and two for the Under 16s. The 450th Anniversary of Sir John Port’s Death – 6th June 2007

OTHER ANNIVERSARY EVENTS PLANNED

22nd December 2007: Young ORs Christmas Ball at Repton. Invites have already been sent. Any queries contact Sarah Taylor (F’98) at sret@st-andrews.ac.uk

÷ The 1st XI cricketers are currently through to the last four of the National Schools 20/20 competition. Our Under 15 side, having narrowly lost at the regional stage in the Lords' Taverners event, made similar progress to the regional stages of the National 20/20

DAY AT REPTON 26th MAY 2007

16th November 2007: Lunch at a Club in Dublin. For further details please contact Brian O’Neill (M’49) at { HYPERLINK "mailto:bandhoneill@eircom.net" }

÷ Our Boys’ Swimming Relay team came second at the National Schools Relay Championships in the Medley event, our best ever result at these championships.

÷ Our Girls’ Netball teams won the County Under 19 and Under 15 titles.

COMMEMORATION

OTHER ANNIVERSARY EVENTS PLANNED 16th October 2007: Hong Kong Dinner at the Hong Kong Club. For further details please e mail Eddie Niem (L’66) at niemeyf@netvigator.com or David Poon (H’85) at dgkpoon@netvigator.com

16th October 2007: Hong Kong Dinner at the Hong Kong Club. For further details please e mail Eddie Niem (L’66) at { HYPERLINK "mailto:niemeyf@netvigator.com" } or David Poon (H’85) at { HYPERLINK "mailto:dgkpoon@netvigator.com" }

10th November 2007: Dinner at Repton School. See enclosed booking form for details.

÷ In horse riding Emma Mellard (U6M) remains a member of the England Squad 'Long List', whilst Victoria Leavesley (5M) won her category at the Horse of the Year Show.

450th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD Paris Anniversary Dinner

A memorable evening was had by all and for some it ended sitting in a café until about 2 in the morning drinking brandy!

You may be wondering who the person is in the photo in the German looking motorcycle helmet. It is Andrew Hartley (H’75) who has a carpet retail business in Paris. It is understood he caused quite a stir when he drove down the Champs-Elysée!

A small group of ORs living in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec met for a most enjoyable lunch on Saturday April 28th at Carleton Place, near Ottawa. As far as we know, this is the first time that Quebeckers have joined Ontarians for an OR event, and what better occasion than the School's 450th? Present were Ian Laughlan, (N’45), Robin MacDonald, (N’47), Julian Swann, (M’50), Tony Houghton, (L’51), Jim Griffiths, (O’65) and Allan Yates, (L’85).

The guests included: Robert Bond (P’68), President of the OR Society, and his wife Patricia, James Ross (H’68), Chairman of the OR society and his friend Sally, Edward Wilkinson (C’46), Governors’ Representative on the OR Committee, and his wife Joy, James Barnett (H’57) and his wife Elisabeth, James Standage (S’94), Christian Standage (B’93), Turhan Yardimci (S’97) who had travelled from Copenhagen, Thierry Millien (H’80), Jean-Frederic Nothomb (M’79), Michael Barrett (O’85), Andrew Hartley (H’75), Nicholas Varley (B’84) and his wife Sybille, Mike Stones (Staff & OR Secretary) and his wife Clair, and finally Chris Charter (Assistant Secretary OR Society) and his wife Vanessa.

For the Paris Anniversary Dinner it was a return to the restaurant, Le Sergent Recruteur, on the Ile Saint Louis. This was the same venue as the Paris Dinner held in April 2005. On an extremely hot evening on 14th April twenty one ORs and guests gathered outside the restaurant before proceeding to the cellar. Particular thanks must go to James Barnett (H’57) who organised the evening.

The Headmaster's kind words were circulated and the appropriate toast drunk to Repton. All agreed to meet again next year, probably in Quebec, to celebrate the School's 451st anniversary.

Ontario & Quebec Anniversary Dinner

The wonderful weather and the perfect setting made for a truly wonderful evening. Pre-dinner drinks and hors d’oeuvres were served on the Balcony overlooking the cricket pitch whose outfield had yielded to the more leisurely art of Croquet. Dinner consisted of an excellent five course meal suitably accompanied by wines various. However, as seen in the photograph the group found most comfort in that traditional Repton pastime of propping up the bar.

Frank Smith (O’53), Brian Trenbath (L’47), Mary-Helen Smith, Suzanne Trenbath Andy Bolton (H’68), Adrian Birch (C’67), Neil Charlesworth (O’53) with 1949 School photo. ()

The dinner was held at the Toronto Cricket, Skating & Curling Club, one of Canada’s premier country clubs, organized by members David Ford (P’57) and Hugh Fletcher (H’71). In a setting, reminiscent of Repton, the dinner was held in a private, oak panelled room overlooking a perfectly manicured cricket pitch. A cricket pitch that has, no less, hosted several One Day Test Matches between India and Pakistan when domestic troubles prevented play in their own countries.

A small, but select, group of Old Reptonians met in Toronto, Ontario on 7th June 2007 to participate in the School’s 450th anniversary celebrations from the Colonies. While Ontario boasts some 26 ORs only 8 were able to attend the dinner. Bearing in mind that Ontario is 415 thousand square miles (over 8 times larger than England) this is, perhaps, somewhat to be expected.

450th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD continued Anniversary Dinner in Toronto

Attendees spanned over 50 years of School history with Ken Scott (O’38) being our senior ambassador and Stephen Ho N’84 our newest recruit. Needless to say, no sooner had the introductions been made than the reminiscing began. Everybody had their own interesting tales of moving to Canada and many anecdotes and amusing stories of their time at Repton. Despite the time differences in entering the school it was amazing how many events and people, usually Staff, created the common ground of our “8 Old Reptonian degrees of separation”.

Western Australia Anniversary Lunch

A good time was had by all and everybody left looking for ways to plan the next get-together List of those attending (photo left to right): Ian McHaffie (H’48); David Ford (P’57); Hugh Fletcher (H’71); John Ellison (C’53); Kenneth Scott (O’38); Shaun Clarke (M’73); Stephen Ho (N’84) and Tim Rigby (H’80).

450th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS AROUND THE WORLD continued

From Left to right: Bob McArthur (M’56), David Miller (H’59), Daniel Howes (L’98), Patrick McMaster (P’56), Richard Barrett (N’59) and John Reddington (B’42). Regrets were received from the Most Reverend John Grindrod KBE (L’34), Elizabeth Chappel (A’82), Elizabeth Timm (A’02), Charlotte Wensley (A’88) and Mark Wood (N’70). Madrid Drinks

Editor’s Note: Thanks to Frank Smith who organised the lunch party Queensland Anniversary Lunch

In spite of the fact that most of us had never met before, we found much to talk and laugh and reminisce about. We toasted Sir John Port’s gift to “bring up six poor scholars in godliness and good learning” with red wine and gusto. Thankfully we all have tolerant Thepartners.consensus is that we shall meet again soon, well before the 500th celebrations. Any ORs passing through Perth or Albany are extremely welcome to join us.

On 26th May a celebration lunch was kindly hosted by Dr John Reddington (B’42) at his home in Springwood, near Brisbane, Queensland. John organised a Repton Quiz which proved to be an excellent ice breaker and one OR scored 19 out of 20. After the quiz all guests were invited to give their own reminiscences/anecdotes of Repton. After reading a message from the Headmaster a special cake was cut and a toast drunk to the School. There then followed a delicious lunch of shepherds pie. Our thanks to John for organising such an enjoyable gathering.

The following report was submitted by Luke Allen (O’87): We in Madrid – the Madrid ORs – got together on 26th May for an informal ‘wine-filled’ evening. Certainly, given some of the tales coming out in conversation, we all have fond memories of Repton. Interesting to hear the stories from different epochs: Robert Griffiths (under David Wilkinson) and I (under James McLaren; I arrived the term after Wilko stepped down as Housemaster) were both in the Orchard – so it was interesting to compare notes. John Wilcox and his wife Bev were married on the paddock in front of the Maths block. With the OR magazine in tow, it became apparent to me that the School is a changed place from when we were there! Everyone certainly enjoyed the evening, and left with the oft said promise of setting it up again when Mary is back in town.

Present were: Luke Allen (O’87) Robert Griffiths (O’74) Mary Gatehouse (A’90) John Wilcox (& wife Beverley) (M’82)

One of the smallest and most remote gatherings of ORs met to celebrate Repton’s 450th Anniversary at Darlington Winery, Western Australia on Saturday 23rd June 2007. One, Neil Charlesworth actually travelled 400km for lunch.

Steuart Adolphus Pears was born in 1815, the son of the Headmaster of Bath Grammar School. He was educated there under his father, and went on to Corpus Christi College in 1832. After graduating he became a priest and was sent abroad to search European libraries for correspondence relating to the English Reformation. In the course of his researches he discovered a number of original letters in Latin from Sir Philip Sidney which he translated and published on his return. In 1846 he was appointed Fellow and Tutor of Durham University, and the following year became assistant master at Harrow School under Dr Vaughan. He remained at Harrow until 1854, when he was elected Headmaster of Repton School. The School Archive has a bound volume of handwritten testimonials, including the following from Dr Vaughan, as to his great suitability for the position: ‘I cannot tell you how greatly and earnestly I trust that this great opportunity for the revival of Repton School may not be lost to it. Mr Pears indeed proved himself to be one of those born Schoolmasters. With a most refined and cultivated mind, and remarkable skill as a composer and preacher he combines wonderful power as the manager of boys. His form here is governed almost entirely without the need of punishment, and is yet in perfect order.’

A letter from Dr Goulburn, Headmaster of Rugby, is similarly fulsome in its praise: ‘Of his private character I need only say that he is a man of most Christian spirit and most blameless conduct. I never knew a man more deeply religious or more strictly conscientious. He is a highly educated and very accomplished person: a gentleman in manner, and in all his dealings with men and boys. He is an admirable scholar.’

Doctor Pears is often referred to as the ‘Second Founder’ of the School, and it is appropriate that we remember him in this anniversary year - without him it is doubtful whether Repton would have survived at all. The initial century of prosperity from 1559 gave way to a long decline, so that Edward Abbott on becoming Headmaster in 1705 was compelled to write ‘I found in the School only a few ragged children, the most improved of them being hardly able to read’. When Pears arrived in 1854 it was scarcely different, and we are told that he was for a moment totally overwhelmed by the desolate prospect before him - he sat at a table with his head in his hands, overwhelmed by the magnitude of the task before him. Repton contained 49 boys, and, with the exception of the Hall, the only substantial building it occupied was the Old Priory which had been bought 300 years earlier. When Dr. Pears retired, twenty years later, there were nearly 300 boys, mostly all boarders, living in seven boarding houses in different parts of the village, and Repton had achieved the status of a leading Public School.

Speaking of Dr Pears approach to discipline, the Reverend Messiter commented that His authority in no way depended upon the outward paraphernalia at one time considered inseparable from the dignity of a Headmaster. I believe he never made use of the old flogging block, and seldom applied the cane; we rarely saw his scarlet robes, and some of his most impressive addresses were delivered at three o'clock call, when he had simply strolled up the yard, wearing his college cap indeed, but having omitted to don his master's gown. On such occasions he would sometimes tell the master of the week that his services were not required, and as he stood by the central desk in Big School (not on the raised platform at the end) the call proceeded, not a sound being heard save the voice of the Sixth Form boy and the responses of those who replied to the call of their names. Then would follow, in the quietest of terms, the rebuke he had come to administer. One Tuesday we were told that the day before some farmer had reported that Repton boys had been riding sheep on the previous Sunday! Before the address had ended we all felt that the School had disgraced itself, though the speaker had hardly raised his voice at all, and his only action was that of twirling the School key round a finger as he spoke. In 1857 the School celebrated its tercentenary, and Dr Pears was determined that this should be done in considerable style. The festivities began with a dinner in Big School, attended by the Sixth Form and over ninety ORs, the oldest of whom had entered the School in 1775. Visitors and pupils walked through an Arch and Yard bedecked with banners and laurel wreaths. At the headmaster's invitation there was a banquet for two hundred labourers at the Bull's Head consisting of 'a dinner of roast beef and plum pudding with good ale.' Over the next few days there were also firework displays and a series of lengthy speeches. The most significant of these was the sermon given in the Parish Church by Dr Vaughan who spoke of the importance in the life of a school of a private place of worship. This idea was met with great enthusiasm almost immediately, and within a very short time the foundation stone to the Chapel was being laid by Earl Howe. The Chapel was designed with a view to future enlargement; it consisted simply of a nave and two small transepts and seated 200 boys. It was severe in style, and almost completely devoid of ornament, in accordance with Dr Pear's strict evangelical views. There is a story that an Italian workman carved on either side of a doorway a pair of angels, which he was promptly ordered to convert into foliage.

÷ Stone throwing forbidden under all circumstances. ÷ All boys are forbidden to buy of strangers, without special leave, in the road or playground – or to hold communication with persons, whether from the village or otherwise looking about the place.

DR STEUART ADOLPHUS PEARS – Paul Stevens (Librarian)

It is evident from Dr Pears’ notebooks that he found discipline somewhat lax on his arrival, and his first few years were spent in establishing standards of behaviour – as the following entries illustrate: ÷ No smoking is allowed – and no beer or spirits permitted to be sold on the Cricket ground on a match day or other occasion. ÷ The Church and Churchyard are out of bounds except at the times of Divine Service.

To Pears the growing good reputation of the School was held back by incompetent governance, and he devoted much time to the inquiries which were to result in the abolition of the Etwall and Repton Corporation, which had existed without substantial alteration since the Charter of James I. To replace this archaic system Pears wanted a Governing Body as at Harrow and Rugby. Under the old scheme the three hereditary Governors were little more than patrons or visitors. It was suggested at the Inquiry that a majority of the new Governors should be local men elected by Etwall and Repton parishioners. Dr. Pears stated: The whole thing will be settled by the Commissioners, whether Repton School is to be regarded as a Public School or a Village School. If a Village School, let the Vestry manage it, but if a Public School, then the Board of Governors must be of much wider constitution.... One thing I stand out for, to keep its character as a Public School. In 1865 Dr Pears also gave evidence to the schools inquiry commission, chaired by Lord Taunton, and he emphasised a commitment to the traditional curriculum and showed a marked scepticism towards the teaching of science. He objected to any proposal to teach more Arithmetic and English—to make Repton, in fact, what he called a “Commercial School".

It was in the Tercentenary year that the Rev. William Johnson began to take boarders in a house situated where the vicarage now is, and three years later he transferred them to a new house, The Orchard, which Dr. Pears built for him behind the Chapel. In 1858 the Rev. Latham opened the house which still bears his name, though it removed in 1918 from the High Street to its present building. The heart of The Mitre was the inn of that name, which the Reverend Joseph Gould adapted and opened in 1865, and four years later Brook House was built by the Reverend Estridge. Numbers grew with the School’s reputation, and although there was now room to house a large number of boarders, and the staff to educate them, Dr Pears had felt from the start that the teaching facilities were wholly inadequate.

DR STEUART ADOLPHUS PEARS continued

Dr Pears took entire control of Chapel Music. While at Harrow he had published a pamphlet on The Protestant Theory of Church Music, in which he condemned the practice of having choristers placed apart in the chancel and clothed in white while "the people stand aside to hear and to be impressed" He recommended that as chanting was more suited to a choir than to a congregation, it should be - if not entirely discontinued - limited to one psalm or canticle in each service. He thus formed a Chapel Choir and supervised their practices every Thursday. These were held in the 'Stone Hall' as the Doctor's entrance hall was then called. The practices were careful for there was no Chapel organ nor any accompanying or supporting instrument. The Doctor gave the key-note on an adjustable pitchpipe.

The material advance that the School made under Dr Pears would alone be enough to prove him a headmaster of vigour and personality, but the testimony of his pupils and the evidence of his own writing show him to have been far more than this. When his wife Catherine was presented by the pupils with an engraving of her husband, they accompanied the gift with a testimonial which further showed the great esteem in which they held him: Our feelings in this case towards him in whom are so happily blended the gentleness of a father, and the judicious firmness of a master, can need no explanation, the anxious care with which he has watched over our studies, the wisdom and skill with which he guides the place, together with his kindness to each one of us individually are more than sufficient to excite those feelings which prompt us thus early as it might otherwise appear to some, to lay this tribute of our affection before you. This affection felt by pupils was equalled by the respect shown towards Dr Pears by the wider community. A local newspaper cutting from the late 1850’s remarks that The reputation which for many, many years has clung around Repton School will be vastly enhanced by the present management. Far and near its present Head-Master possesses the confidence, and earns the commendations, of numerous friends, who appreciate his great ability, and his earnest endeavours to make the reputation of the School greater than he found it.

Until his arrival the only class-rooms were those that had existed almost since the beginning of the School. Most of the forms were taken together in Big School - the only class-room outside the Priory was the 17th century Writing School, which stood on the site of the Pears School steps, and was demolished when Pears School was built. To supplement these inadequate facilities, Dr Pears built at his own cost the “Trent Garden Schools" in 1857. This was a two-storey building in what is now the School House Yard, and was demolished at the same time as the Writing School, when the class-rooms under Pears School replaced them both. The earliest of the existing class-rooms was the ground floor of the northern end of the block facing the Paddock. It was built as a Sixth Form room in 1861, and the upper storey (accessible via Jacob’s Ladder) was added three years later.

As I write this, just four weeks before the opening, everything is beginning to fall into place, mostly as we had planned, but some things inevitably less so. The building work continues apace, the teachers are now arriving, INSET next week for them, the furniture is ready and stored, the teaching resources and books are on a container ship still at sea, but due to dock in Dubai in the next few days. The parents are beginning to return after the summer holidays and the number of telephone calls to the office is rising again. “Will the buildings be ready on time?” Yes. “The uniform suppliers say the uniform will not arrive on the promised day.” Oh, sorry about that, I will check. I am assured the original date is 90% likely. All of this can sometimes hide the scale of what we are trying to achieve here in Dubai. But not for long. Tangible in every phone call and meeting is the growing excitement and expectation about Repton’s imminent arrival on the Middle East educational scene, not just for those entering the Junior School, but the growing numbers registering for September 2008 and the opening of the Senior School and the boarding programme, when we have to do it all again!

After many years of discussion

Pears was successful in ensuring the introduction of the new scheme for the constitution and governance of Repton, securing its status as a first-grade school. It is thought by many that this fundamental reform was his crowning achievement, but it had undoubtedly been to the detriment of his health. He had not been a well man throughout most of his tenure as headmaster, as is evident from the letters of Mrs Catherine Pears

“Steuart is not at all well – eyes very weak and heart very troublesome, fluttering and intermitting, and then come depressed feelings, and sure the School is going to pieces and that Chapel to pay for – and the singing all flagging unless he does it himself – and a great deal of wrong.”

“I am sorry to say that Steuart’s eyes have begun to trouble him again and he is very anxious about himself. It makes him generally depressed and low and when he is in that state he fancies that everything is going wrong, School, House and everything. I have a hard matter to keep him up sometimes: and of course if his depression comes from feelings of physical weakness, the cause is always there and he cannot forget it.. Do not allude to this. He is so very sensitive about the idea getting about that he is giving in.”

The whole School then went up in order and shook his hand, passing out into the School Yard, where they remained to greet him with loud cheers as he emerged from Big School. Two months later an OR Dinner was given in his honour in London and in the course of his speech the Chairman referred to a Memorial Fund to which already nearly £3,000 had been subscribed. Because Dr. Pears would not countenance receiving any personal gift it was decided to devote the money to some building at Repton to be associated with his Hename.was presented by his College at Oxford to the living of Childrey, Berkshire, but his health was broken, and on December 15th 1875 he died after a short illness. His body was brought to Repton, and buried close against the north side of the Church on the last day of the term.

REPTON SCHOOL DUBAI

By the time you read this, the Junior School will have opened its doors for the first time. Some 340 students, all resplendent in their Repton uniforms, will have started at the school, all new together, experiencing something which will stay with them for the rest of their lives: part of the first intake at a new school, even better than that, a new Repton, 450 years after the original started out on its long and illustrious history. I suspect a few of the older ones might even wonder how the first intake of 1557 felt all those centuries ago.

– Headmaster 27

David Cook

DR STEUART ADOLPHUS PEARS continued

During the whole of the Lent term of 1874 his health had been failing, and he had been obliged to leave Repton altogether during the last three weeks. He returned at the end of term, to bid farewell to his School. On the Sunday he preached twice in Chapel, although he looked desperately unwell on both occasions. The next day, during Lists in Big School, he made a speech referring not to his achievements, but only to what he had left undone: At a moment like this I perhaps take a very different view from you. I naturally think of my own shortcomings, of what might have been. I came with very high ambitions and a very high ideal, and I have not departed from it. I shall, as long as I live, expect to see this School grow greater and better. But I am not saying a word against the School as it now is. I cannot help regretting that I have lost opportunities, which a younger and better man would have improved. . . . Solve senescentem mature equum. I sometimes think that if I had acted up to that motto it would have been better for you. . .

Photographs by Christine James Bryan Ferry – Saturday 7th July

Sporting a beard grown specially for the West End production of Kismet, he immediately raised a smile by asking his adoring audience if he looked like Jeremy Beadle. In a fast moving show, involving nearly 30 numbers, he displayed amazing versatility, proving once again that he’s the complete artist, able to rock, croon and smooch to order. During the past two decades, the 45 year-old entertainer has done it all – acclaimed roles such as Marius in Les Miserables, Alex in Aspects of Love and Caractacus Potts in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. He’s represented Britain in the Eurovision Song Contest, made 14 hit solo albums, starred in concerts all over the world from London to Sydney Opera House and done numerous stage, film and television appearances. But he seems happiest in front of a live audience – and so it proved in this Summer picnic appearance on an immaculate Derbyshire playing field once graced by England’s greatest all rounder C B Fry.

David Lowe Extracts reproduced from the Nottingham Evening Post Essential Guide 13th – 19th July 2007

The natural amphitheatre of the cricket pitch was the perfect setting. Amidst picnic tables awash with pink champagne and smoked salmon, the crowd were initially entertained by sea shanties and the lounge style of Lucky Soul.

Tim Hampton (O’52) and Richard Pepper (H’49) John Wallis (L’71) & current parent with Stephen Taylor, current parent. 28

Bryan Ferry opened with Dobie Gray’s In Crowd and on Kiss and Tell, he displayed a mean harmonica. Celebrating 35 years in music himself, Ferry is a musician very much at the top of his form. He surrounded himself with quality, trusted players like Chris Spedding (guitar) and Andy Newmark (Drums) as well as brilliant backing singers like Sarah Brown, plus Mandy Drummond on viola. They were all outstanding. His latest album, Dylanesque, featured heavily, notably All Along The Watchtower, which included Oliver Thompson’s magnificent guitar playing. A Hard Rains Gonna Fall, Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door and The Times They Are A-Changin’ welcomed in the dusk with utter quality. The encore, after a well-deserved standing ovation, featured Love Is The Drug and Sam and Dave’s Hold On I’m Coming. This ended a wonderful concert by a British rock legend. Phil Ball Michael Ball – Sunday 8th July Michael Ball confirmed his premiership status as Britain’s leading musical star with a commanding performance at an outdoor concert celebrating Repton School’s 450th anniversary.

ANNIVERSARY SUMMER PICNIC CONCERTS

The 91,000 seat stadium has been nicknamed the ‘birds nest’ due to its twisted steel girders, a radical design that melds tons of sharp metal edges - resembling silver twigs - into a smooth bowl that soars 300 feet above the Olympic Green. Many of the other stadiums for the Games are nearing completion, including the distinctive aquatics centre, known as the Cube, which will host the swimming, diving and water polo events. The Games will see the return of the 28 sports that were present in Athens in 2004 with a total of 302 individual events including the addition of 9 new events, including two from the new cycling discipline of BMX.

BEIJING OLYMPIC GAMES – Alex Proctor-Pearson (O’89)

The election of Beijing as host for the XXIX Olympiad has not been without controversy given China’s record on human rights, limitations placed on freedom of the press and concerns over its environmental problems. However, granting the Games to China was a bold decision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in many respects, but that decision back in 2001 delivered an important message to the international community – the Beijing Olympics is now considered as a symbol and catalyst of social, political, cultural and economic change in China. The Beijing Olympiad is clear evidence that the remit of the Olympic Games now goes much further than just the staging of a quadrennial sports event. Indeed, the London Games is arguably more focused on the regeneration of the East-end of London and promoting the societal and physical benefits of sport rather than the hosting of a sports competition that lasts just 17 days in 2012.

With much of the British media focusing on the London 2012 Olympics, you can be forgiven for forgetting that at 8.08:08 pm on the 8th August 2008, the Opening Ceremony will signify the start of Beijing 2008 Olympic Games– the number ‘8’ is unsurprisingly a lucky number in Chinese culture and signifies prosperity and confidence! The centrepiece of the Games, the Beijing National Stadium (see picture), is now almost complete.

The International Olympic Committee was founded on 23 June 1894 by the French educator Baron Pierre de Coubertin who was inspired to revive the Olympic Games of Greek antiquity. De Coubertin was himself inspired by the Thomas Hughes’ classic, Tom Brown’s Schooldays, and subsequently made a number of visits to English public schools including Eton, Harrow and Rugby in the 1880s. Hughes’ portrayal of public school life emphasised the educational values of sport and how it could be used to serve moral development. Coubertin viewed the English public school system not only as a way of cultivating individual moral qualities but also as social training for life and undoubtedly had a profound influence when he established the Olympic ‘ideals’ of excellence, friendship and respect. Within ten years after his visit to England, De Coubertin founded the IOC, an international non-governmental non-profit organisation, to serve as an umbrella organisation of the Olympic Movement and staged the first modern Olympic Games in Athens in 1896. As Olympic Games come and go over the years, the IOC is the only permanent entity that remains giving the Games its much needed stability. The IOC, through its appointed members, is responsible for electing the host city for the Winter and Summer Games. However, the work of the IOC does not stop there and the administration continues to work in partnership with each Organising Committee to assist them with their preparation and planning over the next 7 years. In 2001 shortly after the Sydney Games, the IOC established the Olympic Games Knowledge Management (OGKM) Programme with the aim of facilitating the transfer of knowledge from past Games organisers to future organisers. In this respect, Beijing 2008 represents a unique learning opportunity for the organisers of the London 2012 Games and, through a number of initiatives organised by the IOC, will allow a one-off insight to understand the scope, scale and complexity of an organising an Olympic Games. Based in Lausanne, Switzerland, the IOC is certainly a unique and interesting place to work. Within the IOC itself , there is a wide diversity in nationalities and cultures but my line of work enables me to also work with 3 or 4 organising committees at a time (currently Beijing 2008, Vancouver 2010, London 2012 and now Sochi 2014), each presenting its own different set of challenges and experiences. Switzerland is also a ‘hot-bed’ for other sports organisations with many of the International Sport Federations based also in Lausanne. Having initially embarked on a career in management consulting, I completed an MA in the Management, Law and Humanities of Sport, an internationally-based course sponsored by FIFA, in 2005. The course, taught across 3 European Universities: DeMontfort in Leicester, England, SDA Bocconi in Milan, Italy, and Université de Neuchatel in Switzerland, is aimed at preparing graduates to work for international sports organisations. The class is truly multi-cultural, not only because the course is taught across 3 European countries, but as the students are also selected from all five continents of the world. Although the course is relatively new (established in 2001), the alumni are very active with many of them working across the world for various sporting organisations: FIFA, UEFA, IRB, WADA, IPC to name but a few. One thing is for sure, all these people are connected by a common interest, enthusiasm and a passion for sport. It was certainly my time at Repton where this seed for me was undoubtedly sown.

Photo caption: Alex Proctor-Pearson with members of the Beijing Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (BOCOG) outside the National Olympic Stadium, Beijing, June 2008.

The Polar Challenge 2007 - John Jamieson Black (C’76)

÷ To complete the challenge and return intact. The Team. What is it about being 40 plus? The idea seemed insane but the challenge of getting sufficiently strong together with fitting in a busy city job and charging about the country with three sons in tow following their sporting attempts at the weekends as well keeping a lovely wife happy, required the art of a magician, which I am not. Help was at hand with Chris Mike (Malvern) and Jimmy Cheshire (Ghurkas). The obvious runs around town and endless weekends in the Beacons set us up for a training week in the Austrian Alps and a freezing week lugging pulks around the Setesdal Mountains in Norway to help acclimatise us for those extreme Arctic conditions. To add to the excitement we learnt that the Top Gear team and Old Reptonian Jeremy Clarkson (P’73) were to be racing at the same time as us, albeit in vehicles. To beat him using old fashioned methods would be a treat.

CP One 5 ½ days later and I was shattered. Most of everyday was spent walking/skiing and dragging our 120 lb pulks in single file due to the uneven nature of the surface. The leader would navigate and break trail, the number 2 would check navigate and then we would all switch roles. We had crossed Bathurst Island and traversed Polar Bear Pass with no casualties other than minor frost nip. Our race tactics were to take it moderately easy. A typical day would be 04.30 hrs muster, 2 ½ hrs to feed, melt snow for breakfast and water to drink for the day and clear tent. There was no relaxation. Start skiing at 07.00 hrs and every hour a 2 minute snack break and every 2 hours a 10 minute break for a hot drink from a thermos. We had a satellite safety call to make at 10.00 hrs and 20.00 hrs giving our position and anticipated position at the next call. Finish the day at 22.00hrs and then a further 2 hrs spent cooking the evening meal, setting up tent and further melting of snow. For a 40 plus year old four hours sleep with that level of activity was beginning to play havoc on my resolutions to survive, let alone finish. CP One found us in second place! And the leaders had a problem with blisters. Amazing what 12 hrs rest can do; from being ready to jump on any number 19 bus that came by; a steely resolve coursed through the team. The journey from CP One to CP Two was to change all that. A storm early in the year had torn up the sea ice into a jumble of bergs. 175 kms and 4 days of dragging that pulk rendered me devoid of all love I might have had for my environment, reduced me to spontaneous tears of frustration and thoughts of defeat and shame. I hated every living breath I took. Retreats from Stalingrad, Moscow and of the exploits of Fiennes jammed my senses.

History will dictate that despite a tent fire and worsening weather we got to CP Two in first place; quite how I have no idea. Again a patch up job and again with our resolve restored we set out for the Pole and the finish 140 kms away. Again no number 19 bus! We hit the pole second and the finish line second 3 ½ days later. We were judged winners as the first team had one of their members evacuated due to injury. Crossing the finishing line at all by then to me was my main emotion; winning purely secondary. The terrain of ice blocks had continued for most of that second leg too. Amazing what the human body can achieve.

What is the Polar Challenge? It is a 650 km three man team race to the 1996 Magnetic North Pole beginning in Resolute Bay Canada via two resupply checkpoints where competitors have to rest for 12-24 hrs and resupply. The race is conducted on skis dragging all survival kit on pulks. The race begins in mid April and is conducted over both frozen Arctic Ocean and frozen landmass. Competitors have to endure temperatures down to -40 C and the continual threat of Polar Bears that have just ended their hibernation.

The Race. To be honest nothing prepared me for the relentless dry cold of the Arctic. The first week was spent endlessly modifying kit, skiing mini expeditions and preparing the high calorie meals that we were to eat. 8000 calories a day was to be our consumption. The cold penetrated every chink in my armour. Moisture management was a real issue. The only plus was the continuous light; the sun never set. We began with a 120 km walk to the start line. No injuries but the wind reduced the temperature to well below -40 and everything froze. My nose continuously dribbled and then froze immediately in my face mask. My fingers lost all feeling at the tips and my toes began to numb. This was the last time I was to feel them for the whole trip and three months later I still suffer. The race started at noon on the 27th April. We were blessed with sunshine which made GPS map reading that little bit easier. The environment was beautiful but as we skied we were quickly soon to learn that the geographical features when they were present were quite simply enormous. Features would take half days to go over or around. It was this 'night' at 02.00 hrs that we stumbled upon our first polar bear and her three cubs. Having been incountry for ten days now, we were all tired even though this was only the first day of the race. Keeping vigil that night for her was difficult and armed though we were with a Remington pump gun, any dead bears would mean a legal investigation and terminated Werace.reached

The Preparation. Team Bearing 360 North was formed in the summer of 2006. Objectives were: ÷ To raise funds for Orchid cancer and to raise awareness in male testicular, prostate and penile cancers. ÷ Raise the entrance fee of £55,000 via corporate sponsorship to enable all donations to go straight to the charity.

Conclusions. How we finished I have no idea. We walked solidly for the last 36 hours. All I remember was mumbling incoherently into a camera about when the bloody hell was the next plane out. We had all survived with little injuries apart from frost bite. A huge tribute must go to Jimmy and Chris who kept me going through some very dark times. Jeremy Clarkson? Well apparently he made it beating us only because he started earlier (I jest). Chatting to him around the base camp, I think he too will not be found again ooop North! The real victor was our charity. We have raised to date £107,000. Please visit www.bearing360north.com to make a donation to our cause; the site is still live. You can also enter future races at www.polar-challenge.com !!!!!

OBITUARIES

At the time of John Gammell’s arrival at Repton in September 1968 it was difficult to say which was the more impressive – the man himself or his portrait by a Winchester pupil which hung in his dining-room. We had heard of John’s physical size and a reputation preceded him that he would be strict and conservative. How inaccurate this was, in not conveying to us any of the human side of the man or any of the wide variety of interests that he held himself and that he fostered in all of us. He took an immense amount of trouble in preparing his sermons, and these reflected his deep feelings and his Christian beliefs; and he did all he could to adapt Chapel worship to the needs of the boys. When a difficult situation arose in the day-to-day life of either pupils or Staff he was not afraid to “grasp the nettle”, even though he disliked having to do so and he worried a great deal as to whether he had decided on the ideal solution. “You can’t win them all” was often his rueful comment though, in fact, invariably he found the right answer. He has been a most conscientious and enthusiastic supporter of OR functions, near and far, and many will have enjoyed his company and his speeches (for which the script did change occasionally!). He supported the introduction of OR Gaudys five years ago, and who of those present could fail to enjoy the good fun and the happy reunions of these occasions? The launching of the 1973 Appeal involved him in an exhausting round of meetings and of traveling (even as far as Hong Kong), and he acknowledged personally in writing every contribution. The success of the Appeal can be seen in the greatly improved study conditions in all the Houses, in the all-weather sports area on the Tanyard, and (with great assistance from the planning vision of Dennis Hawkins) in the new Art School. In the running of the School, John will be remembered as the Headmaster who welcomed girls inside the Arch. He believed firmly that most boys benefited from the slower pace of a three year course to O level and he was a source of great encouragement to his Staff, whether it was Heads of Department bent on experimenting or mad New Zealanders who thought the shape of the ball was wrong. He introduced Parents’ Meetings and these have proved of great value to parents and teachers alike. He took a keen interest in all games and he was just as likely to be seen striding through pouring rain towards 4th House as he was to be heard shouting words of encouragement to the 1st XI on the Square. He made one appearance in the Pedants – an ideal opportunity for a member of the chorus to be seen pulling the Headmaster’s leg. Indeed, it must be said that John made light of his physical disability though it must have caused him pain at times. However, it never prevented him playing a keen game of Staff Tennis or New Boys Fives, and he also did his stint of refereeing. No need for yellow cards when he had the whistle! He valued his contact with his Staff, young and old alike, and we were often grateful to him during a Staff Meeting for relieving some drawn-out discussion with a witty comment or an apt Inquote.allhis life at Repton, John was the first to realise the support that he received from his wife and his family, Hugh, Hilary and Simon. Meg involved herself in social work in and around Derby, and she ran the very profitable White Elephant Stall at successive Sales of Work. It is perhaps a mark of the respect and affection that the School held for them both that, at his final Lists (which Meg attended), John should lead the boys in such an enthusiastic rendering of the School song that a large majority even sang the correct words for the last line. Fitting that this should be so in aptly describing John and Megs time with us – “Repton to the end”. After leaving Repton in 1978 he spent five years as secretary of the Cambridge University Appointments Board, advising undergraduates (and schools) about their first jobs. His advice was sought by other similar bodies, including the Advisory Council for the Church’s Ministry. And as a member of the Schools’ Liaison Committee with the Services, he was instrumental in launching a scheme, still extant, for offering short-service commissions to school leavers in their “gap year” before university. Retiring in 1983 to a village in Rutland, he became a stalwart of the local church and was churchwarden for about 15 years.

Below is an extract from the appreciation which appeared in the Terminal Letter of October 1978 written by Denis Norwood (Second Master) when John retired from Repton.

John Gammell, Headmaster of Repton, 1968-78, was born on 31st December 1921. He died on 4th July 2007, aged 85

John Gammell: Headmaster (1968 – 1978) who steered Repton through an era of innovation with gravitas and humanity.

For 30 years after the war John Gammell was a hero among schoolmasters, first as a housemaster at Winchester and then as Headmaster of Repton. In a time when traditional values were being challenged, he was able to steady the ship and to keep it moving forward at a judicious pace. It was a rare achievement, managed without fuss or fanfare. [Extract from the Times 2nd August 2007]

Latterly she was in poor health which she faced with matter-of-fact courage. At the back of her many activities lay her life as a committed Christian. This was the source of her utter reliability and the discretion and integrity that made her such a wise adviser and trusted confident of a succession of headmasters. To her finger-tips she was the complete professional.

John Billington (Staff 1965-1996) writes: A good School Secretary is central to the smooth running of a good school. Her efficiency can save the Headmaster from making mistakes; her experience over time can make her a valued adviser; and when difficult decisions have to be made she can act as the headmaster’s sounding board and conscience.

OBITUARIES continued Margaret Comer 1924 - 2007

OBITUARY LIST Cross 1925 J A W Ambler 17th March 2007 1945 J D E Gibson 21st April 2007 1948 Dr G H Curtis Jenkins 11th July 2007 New House 1970 G C Neilson 14th April 2007 1950 M D Porter 2006 Latham 1956 J B Bristow 3rd April 2007 Orchard 1985 D Garton 27th December 19342006 H S Nelson 2007 Brook 1920 C A Bragg 8th August 2007 1951 C P Dollery 12th May 2007 Priory 1931 F A Barnsdale 30th March 2007 1956 P S C Abell 3rd June 2007 Hall 1935 J Minter CBE DL 29th July 2007 1936 Sir Philip Blunden Bt 9th April 2007 1941 J H L Bell 2006 1944 R G S Nairn 9th June 2007 1977 S M Allderidge 2nd August 2007 Ex Staff J F Gammell Headmaster 1968-1978 4th July 2007 P Cranham Staff 1974 – 1976 April 2007 Miss M Comer Headmasters’ Secretary 10th July 2007 OLD REPTONIAN BLAZER Have you ordered your OR blazer yet? This very distinctive blazer, as modelled by our President in the photograph, is now available to be ordered through the School Shop or you can order the cloth and have the blazer made up by your own Antailor.order form may be downloaded from the OR website at { HYPERLINK "http://www.orsociety.com" } or please call the School Shop on 01283 559323 for further details. 32 OLD REPTONIAN BLAZER Have you ordered your OR blazer yet? This very distinctive blazer, as modelled by our President in the photograph, is now available to be ordered through the School Shop or you can order the cloth and have the blazer made up by your own tailor. An order form may be downloaded from the OR website at www.orsociety.com or please call the School Shop on 01283 559323 for further details.

Margaret loved the School and entered fully into its life in many areas. She sang regularly in MusSoc and for the Sitwell Singers in Derby and then learned to play the flute and joined the School Orchestra. She acted in staff plays and helped behind the scenes in School plays; she accompanied Mike Milford and later myself on School ski trips. And in addition to her public roles she had many private passions, interests and talents. She took up wood-carving and silversmithing; she painted in water colours and had beautiful calligraphy; she was an expert needlewoman in embroidery and patchwork until failing sight deprived her of these pursuits. In all her activities she set herself high standards. She loved gardening and the company of her many nieces and nephews and took a close interest in the progress and achievements of her god-children. She learned to drive late in life but with her car and by letter-writing retained ties with many Repton staff after her retirement.

Margaret Comer was for many years a remarkable and outstanding School Secretary for a succession of Repton headmasters. She made it her professional career, starting at Bryanston before moving to Repton in 1953 where she served under Lynam Thomas. From 1961 to 1968 she served under John Thorn and then from 1968 until 1978 under John Gammell. She served a further three years under David Jewell before leaving to work at Foremarke Hall to teach craft subjects for two years – a total of thirty years at Repton. She retired in 1984 to her home and family in Middlesbrough.

Gary Lawrence JEREMY ROUSE

Jeremy is getting married this summer to Naomi Lovett.

Naomi is the programme manager of CAMFED, a Cambridge-based charity dedicated to fighting poverty and AIDS in rural communities in Africa by educating girls. How excellent, then, that Jeremy’s new job, as Head of Academic Music at Bedford School, is just around the corner and he will be able to see his wife, rather than try and maintain a long distance relationship, as he has had to do here. A teacher and musician of great integrity, we wish Jeremy every success in his new post and wish Jeremy and Naomi all happiness in their lives together. John Bowley

Formerly organ scholar of Girton College, Cambridge, and a Fellow of the Royal College of Organists, Jeremy is a stunning player. Every week, groups of the Chapel congregation would stay and listen appreciatively to the voluntary. To have one’s very own fan-club on a Sunday morning is no mean feat! Also a fine harpsichord player, there are several beautiful instruments in his flat that he plays. The pupils have been spoilt to have a musician of such high calibre, giving so freely of his time and energy. He has become much loved in the Department, by pupils and staff alike. In researching his time at the school and asking his pupils what they thought of him, or most fondly remembered, they would all break into a broad smile. “Ah, Mr Rouse” they would say, and then would follow a hilarious tale of his methods at getting them to focus on the finer point of Bach harmonisation or the intricacies of Sonata form. The ‘Pocket Rocket’ managed to bring academic rigour to the classroom, whilst keeping the lessons vibrant and interesting. He always taught the L6, and established in them the solid bedrock of knowledge to lead them to their final exams. His legacy includes the Chamber Choir, which he started in 2005. This group of dedicated singers now regularly performs a variety of music in a range of concerts and shows. Throughout his time here, he has composed for choirs and instrumental groups: he wrote the score for the production Metamorphosis, which was a finely judged composition; he directed three musicals, and played or sang whatever and whenever needed. Jeremy has particularly enjoyed the “cut and thrust” of performing with the pupils and with staff, whatever the type of performance. A very sensitive accompanist, he has raised the standard of performance across the board of music at Repton. Jeremy completed the ‘Parker 100’ before leaving the school. He had a natural head-start in his training, as he was comfortably the fastest walker in the school. His rapid pace from Common Room to classroom meant that, in order to have a conversation with him, the remainder of the Department had to become quite fit.

Jeremy Rouse came to Repton in 2003, as Chapel organist and Assistant Director of Music. He very quickly became a critical cog in the musical workings of the school, throwing himself into every element of the school’s musical activities. He has rehearsed, conducted, directed and composed for every sort of musical performance – and all with no little skill and humour.

FAREWELL TO STAFF MARTIN DELL Martin Dell taught two cohorts at Repton, arriving from halfway around the world, in September 2005. Having previously taught at Lancing College, and a number of independent schools in Australia, he fitted quickly into the rhythms of life here. In this short time, he has been a good colleague and a warm friend, and he has contributed widely to every aspect of academic and pastoral life with us.

First and foremost, it has been a pleasure for Biology staff and pupils alike to experience his enthusiasm for Biology, and, from the off, he has succeeded in that difficult trick of engaging our brightest pupils in independent learning. He has an excellent grasp of the nuances of the subject, and a truly boggling array of Antipodean anecdotes – all relating to obscure creatures, and all to illustrate a biological point. (Though, at times, we were not sure he hadn’t just made up the “Spinifex hopping mouse”, or some such, to gently tease Heus). has added considerably to the breadth of resources in the Biology Department; he was a Captain in the CCF and took DoE expeditions also; he tutored professionally and with compassion in The Cross; he took a horse-riding sports option, was saddled with the job of “Educational Visits Coordinator” in his second year and rode this tricky steer well; he offered Oxbridge lessons, extra tuition for weaker pupils… the list of his contributions would be long. In short, he immersed himself successfully in Repton, and Repton thanks him for his dedication and skill. Myself, I will miss both his sharp educational mind, and the good humour with which he approached everything he did. He leaves us, because his family (as well as every teaching commitment, he has juggled two young children) must return to Australia, where his wife Michelle will take up once more her medical consultancy post.

Of course, for any instrumental teacher, helping pupils achieve their potential while at school brings its own rewards, and a string of fine players owe their pianistic skills to him. Indeed, he brought in his own Steinway grand, so that there were two good instruments in his room to maximise the impact of his lessons. When talking to him about his career at school, his eyes would fire with enthusiasm as he listed each pupil that had excelled under his guidance – “The thrill it gave me was unparalleled” he said of one boy’s playing, “I can see the concert now” of another – and he would relive each moment of triumph. His pride in the success of his pupils and his pleasure for them in their achievement has been central to his life here. He toured frequently with the school in the holidays. Amongst his favourite tours were playing Jazz piano in South Africa, and playing Vivaldi and Pergolesi in St Marks, Venice. He was the driving force behind the House music competitions in their current form, throughout the year, instead of all being in one weekend. This gave all our musicians a fair chance to shine and has proved a success. For a term, in 1986, Neil was Director of Music at Foremarke Hall, covering an interregnum. During this time, the music there thrived, and he helped with a seamless transition for the incoming Director. A passionate performer, he has given many recitals and is primarily responsible for the rest of the music staff performing so frequently. He has conducted concerts and shows, and accompanied countless numbers of pupils in their recitals and exams, rehearsing with them at whatever hour best suited the pupils, and not himself. Neil always taught RS and, as time went on, so his timetable grew. Although not his principal subject, of course, he was dedicated to this teaching and threw himself into inspiring the class with this subject. Neil has cut quite a figure on his bike, with his jacket gently flapping in the wind; he is always easy to spot around the village. His kindly nature meant that pupils felt able to approach him, and knew that there was a caring member of staff willing to listen to their concerns. This was particularly important with his house duties in The Mitre. Neil developed a reputation for being someone the pupils could trust. His wit and compassion will be missed in the Department. A kind man and a dedicated teacher, we wish him and Jane a most happy retirement.

John Bowley COLIN CARRINGTON Consider the School, and the World, in September 1973. Rapidly run through the Seventies, Eighties, Nineties and Noughties, to bring us to the present day. Colin Carrington has taught at Repton for those thirty-three years, and retires having made distinguished and sustained contributions to the rounded education of quite literally generations of Reptonians. He has seen fashions and hairstyles circle around, Headmasters arrive and depart, and I would like, briefly, to pay tribute to a career spent teaching, and leading, by Comparingexample. his contributions to one of his beloved ropes, there have been, perhaps, four principal strands to Colin’s working career here: his academic teaching; his CCF activities; his outdoor pursuits leadership in climbing, kayaking etc.; and his pastoral work as tutor, then housemaster, then tutor once more. There is, of course, much other stuff (another rope term), but taking these in turn first: He taught Physics. That alone made him a precious rarity in education nowadays. He possessed an acute understanding, (which must have matured over the decades of his career) of how to get across to pupils of all ages the principles of this splendid subject. Oddly, much of Physics is actually counterintuitive: the laws which govern the physical world are elegant and powerful, but not very user-friendly: Colin understood that patience and consistency were valuable tools, as well as traits. He was, by recent pupil accounts, an authoritative presence in the classroom, rarely having to resort to more than force of will to shape the learning and behaviour of boys (and latterly girls) in his lessons. He was also, in the academic dealings I had with him, open and generous with his expertise, and his approach to the techniques of academic teaching, the “craft of the classroom”, was thoughtful, yet understated. A man with 30+ years of teaching experience behind him remained quietly enthusiastic, to the end of his career here.

FAREWELL TO STAFF continued NEIL MILLENSTED

Neil Millensted joined the Music Department in 1973, when there were only three members on the musical staff. At the time, he was brought in to teach viola, and only took on the title of Head of Keyboard after a few years. He started his teaching in a tiny room under the stairs in Boot Hill. In those days, there was one peripatetic teacher; the music staff had to try and teach all instruments. Now, of course, there are 26 instrumental teachers! A fine all-round musician, once Neil had command of the piano department, it grew, until now, with his team of peripatetic teachers, there are over 70 piano lessons every week. He established a maintenance programme for all the upright pianos and, with his expert knowledge of the goings-on inside a piano case, worked with technicians to keep them all in excellent condition.

Neil took over the artistic directorship of the Subscription Concert Series, and organised many wonderful series of pedigree musicians playing in school. He drove a hard bargain and succeeded in bringing small groups and soloists of international standing each year to bring a balanced and exciting programme to Repton.

Colin said, long before I knew him, that it was worth him staying at Repton, as long as there was something new and something challenging to do. In his life and work here, he has found new challenges to meet. It is time, however, for he and Sascha to take the opportunity afforded by continued health and energy to tackle travel, climbs, and no doubt all manner of adventurous activity, just for their own fun. Gary Lawrence

The fourth strand of his full commitment was pastoral care. He entered The Cross as a tutor in ’75, and stayed until he was appointed Housemaster of The Mitre, a responsibility he fulfilled between 1991 and 1998, and, once again, he can be quietly satisfied that a lasting achievement in that time was civilising the House – a task not achieved without strong will and a great expenditure of personal energy. Since coming out of The Mitre, he has, from ’99 to his retirement, tutored in a girls’ house, for a change. The Garden girls (especially his tutees), it wouldn’t be too much of an exaggeration to say, greatly admire him, and he has found enjoyment in working with them. Repton has always been work, rest and play, and CRC made impact in any number of other aspects of the School’s life. He has, for example, done the stage for around 15 School, House and other plays; he has been i/c Sale of Work admin probably since Methuselah was a nipper; finally, I cannot let the chance pass up to comment on his second life as “Mr Bean”. Deadpan, willing to be a source of fun, he was the spit of Bean in several ‘Pedants’, though probably more acrobatic than Rowan Atkinson’s version. As mentioned, he took a year’s sabbatical (back when such things were a possibility for long-serving teachers) in ’81, and he travelled in India and Nepal. So, he has actually taught only 96 terms here.

It is positively awe-inspiring, and a little hair-raising, to hear the tales of the physical exploits Lt. Col. Carrington – the OC – has led in his work with the CCF. He arrived, fresh from a six-week Sandhurst course, with a self-confessed unfamiliarity with “military” activities. At first (in 1973, remember – no risk assessment paperwork bumph back then), he ran the Commando Section – something he then did for 15 years, with up to fifty cadets. Night exercises included rope slides and cave explorations. He built, and maintained, the “Tarzan Course”, a rope course high in the trees behind the Sanatorium. You would need a barrowful of paperwork, and a raft of qualifications, nowadays, to be covered to try this; what a sight it must have been to see cadets safely enjoying such unique opportunities. Speaking of rafts, he had pupils rafting down the Trent. To this day, he has shouldered the responsibility for continuing with a self-built assault course for competition days. Colin was appointed Officer Commanding in 1978, only 5 years into his time here. Back then, on CCF camps in the Brecon Beacons, everyone was in tents, and it was rough-and-ready living. He stepped down as OC in 1991, but was reappointed in 1998, meaning that he has been OC Repton CCF for 22 of his years here. He has been instrumental in maintaining the CCF as a dynamic and popular pupil activity, and over the years he has, in a sense, civilised the ways in which cadets expect to treat others, and be treated in turn. The unseen workload, of commanding the CCF, has been considerable. The third major strand in his work has been climbing and outdoor activities. He has introduced perhaps hundreds of pupils to an active lifelong love of climbing, and has probably allowed thousands of Reptonians to experience it. It was his seemingly boundless patience with tyros which struck me most, along with his warmth when dealing with the fears and triumphs of novice climbers. His unflappable, quietly positive manner has made him an ambassador for the sport. He has, and I speak from per sonal experience, unstintingly encouraged people who are willing to try. He has stood at the top of a waterfall belaying two pupils simultaneously, whilst they scream and laugh as they are pounded by the downfall and climb up the rocks. (Colin’s climbing, incidentally, also led to his marriage: he and Sascha met whilst Colin was working as a climbing instructor, during his sabbatical year of ’81/82. Since that time, Sascha has supported him in his work with Repton pupils in a whole range of adventurous activities, taking pupils herself; she also has contributed to music in and out of School and in many other areas). CRC has also led many Reptonians to considerably more than novice-level climbing: three and four week trips to the Pyrenees, Austrian Alps and Italian Dolomites were undertaken; frequent weekends were spent taking seniors to Wales and juniors to the Peaks. Winter UK climbing featured also, with Adventurous Training trips to Glencoe. (All of this in the years when pupils had more time to grow, and fewer examinations to prepare for.)

FAREWELL TO STAFF continued

In many ways, this note on Colin’s career at Repton is inadequate and partial: he has outlasted so many friends (and enemies) that few of us Johnny-come-latelies can imagine what 32 years of teaching service must feel like, and many untold stories must adorn the decades. But, to sum up as best I can: a rather private man; an individual who has let actions speak for themselves, but who was, at the same time, articulate and passionate when he felt something must be said, in whatever sphere. A man of integrity, a man of warmth when the situation was right, and a man who stuck at a task, a responsibility or a problem until it was completed. This particular thread, running through the strands braided in this summary, is the core one: sustained commitment to things both large and small. He retires whilst still committed, and with enthusiasm for life undimmed. Repton will most certainly miss him.

SCHOOL NEWS Girls’ Football Seven of our girls have netted places at the Independent Schools Football Association for Girls (ISFAG) football development centre where they will receive first class coaching and play matches against football league academy sides. The players attended two trial days at Stamford School at St George’s in Ascot where they were put through technical drills and played a match. Qualified coaches assessed their performances.

Two very different House Plays followed. Orchard and JHF produced a tight, focussed Ernie’s Incredible Illucinations (Ayckbourn) in the Studio, with young Joe Knight in the lead role and about thirty of the house on stage. After half term there was a stunning Jesus Christ Superstar in the main auditorium, a joint effort between CEG, JMGL and JAR. This was a huge undertaking but the end result would grace most school stages as a School Play. Alia Gilbert sang beautifully as Mary Magdalene and a long haired Alec Farmer was a suitably suffering Jesus with a rich, mellifluous voice. Final mention must go to Imogen Blackwood as Judas, confident and professional without a waver in her powerful voice.

The girls’ football team has probably had their most successful season ever. They reached the final of the national six-a-side competition where they lost narrowly in extra time to Millfield. The girls also managed to record impressive victories over regular competitors Oakham and Rugby during the course of the season. Next year sees the first national 11-a-side competition take place. The format is much like the ISFA boys’ competition with the final played at a football league ground. Repton have entered the competition and stand a good chance of getting into the latter stages. With more and more schools playing girls’ football these days it is great to see Repton at the forefront on these exciting developments.

Close to the end of term The Pedants, directed by ORs Mike Keep (O’69) and Peter Bradburn (P’67) trod the fifty-year-old boards of the 400 Hall stage once again. Ever popular, the theatre was full for every show and it was good to see members of Common Room, young and old alike, joining in with a will. A fortnight later, the Duologue Competition was keenly fought with a very strong Junior Class. Adjudicator Nick Wells, Head of English at Foremarke, chose B Blockers, Sarah Cotterill (Drama Scholar) and Simone Matthews, as winners with their own piece about the divisions between Repton’s village and school. It was intelligently written as well as being excellently well performed. The fixture for the end of the Lent Term is now the Charity Cabaret and 2007 was a year to remember. It was a fabulous show, with even more variety, including solo singers, groups, dancers, mime artists, comedy and drama. The Saturday Gala night was particularly special, with the appearance on stage of our guests from the Orpheus Centre, accompanied by Richard Stilgoe. Those lucky enough to be there for this moving performance witnessed Repton at its best. The ‘knock-on’ effect of the Saturday night selling out meant that Friday sold out too and Thursday was fuller than it has ever been. The end result was just under £11,000 raised by the Cabaret alone, no mean feat.

The seven girls selected are Sophie Griffiths (F), Stella d'Arch Smith (M), Safia Wortelboer (F), Kim Bradley (M) and Katherine Guest (F) for the U18s and Chloe Williams (M) and Sophie Davies (M) for the U16 Commentingsquad. on the national selection, U18 captain Sophie Griffiths said: “We're all so excited to have been selected for the ISFAG squads. This is such an amazing opportunity for the seven of us to really improve our football and to help develop girls' football to an even greater level at Repton.”

Audiences were slightly down this year across the Fringe but, in my opinion, this was the Rep’s slickest show since Equus. Notable performances came from Victoria Pym again, Antony Pritchard (C’99) and even sixteen year old Alex Rowles (P). The school was able to judge the show on the first day of the Michaelmas Term when the company put on matinee and evening performances in the Studio Theatre; those returning to Repton saw immediate evidence of quality drama, fresh from the world’s biggest festival.

DRAMA 2006 -2007 Summer Term 2006 was brought beautifully to an end by Boazers, Chaggers and Stigs (a dramatised collection of Repton readings and memories) for Speech Day and the opening of the new English Block. Victoria Pym (F) and Edwin Hillier (S), among others, once again showed how effective they can be as performers. Very soon after the end of term, JMGL (H74) led the Rep Theatre Company to Edinburgh with Lee Hall’s adaptation of Goldoni’s farce, A Servant to Two Masters

The U15 side played impressive cricket throughout the summer and contained several young men who will be pushing hard for 1st XI selection in 2008 when Poynton will be the captain. A tour to Grenada will take place in December and the prospects for the next two or three seasons look promising. Watson

SCHOOL NEWS continued

Frank

CRICKET REPORT

John Sentance

The 1st XI began with three straight victories against Rugby (when Guillam Dancey (L) took three wickets in the last over to force the win), Malvern and the Free Foresters but three defeats followed in the next four games leaving the team at something of a crossroads.

The season will no doubt be remembered most for its appalling weather which caused immense disruption to the school’s cricket programme and even resulted in the cancellation of the Senior House Match Final. However, there was still some exciting and impressive cricket played by the school’s teams and in July, 17 year-old Tom Poynton (S) became Repton’s 129th first-class cricketer when he kept wicket for Derbyshire in the County Championship.

The response was outstanding as Repton Pilgrims, Uppingham and Worksop were all beaten to produce a playing record of P10 W6 L3 D1. Throughout this time progress was being made in the National Twenty20 competition, too, with four straight wins over Nottingham H.S., Stamford, Solihull and Huddersfield New College earning Repton a place in the last four who will compete on a ‘Finals Day’ in September.

In May, as usual, there were the A Level Theatre Studies practical pieces. The moderator was full of praise for the group comprising Jack Fookes (S), Mel Harrison (A), Fran Salisbury (A) and Alex Rowles (P), which was particularly gratifying considering the moderator teaches drama at Oakham. All four pupils achieved high marks for acting, with Jack receiving 50/50, a first for a

TheReptonian.Junior School Play, The Demon Headmaster, was extremely well received in the last week of the Summer Term. Some of our Drama Scholars and Exhibitioners, Sarah Cotterill, Blair Dunlop, Charlie Pass and Ben Donovan had major roles, but there were a further fifty or so pupils involved in smaller roles and the end result was a slick and polished showcase for the huge amount of talent in B and A Block; much promise for the future.

Next term, after the Son et Lumiére, the School Play has a new November slot. Exciting plans are already in place to present Twelfth Night in the round in Pears School. Is this the first time the School Play has been performed in Pears School in fifty years? If it is then it would be most fitting for this anniversary year.

The captain, Richard Murrall (O), topped the batting averages (366 @ 61) followed by Ross Whiteley (N) (328 @ 54.6) and Poynton (274 @ 30.4). Both Murrall and Poynton registered hundreds at Uppingham where they shared a third wicket partnership in excess of 200. Left-arm spinner, Tom Eldred (P) was the leading wicket-taker with 16 with Whiteley and Dancey also in double figures, whilst U15 off-spinner, Josh Moore (L) also impressed. Once again the fielding was sharp, with Matthew Wood (L) outstanding, underlining just how far we have progressed in this area of school cricket in recent seasons.

SCHOOL NEWS continued

Tell me a bit about your background in football.

tps@repton.org.uk

I am Director of Football Coaching. My role is to develop the Repton Football programme so that we can compete consistently at the highest level of Schools Football, & to give all pupils who want it, the opportunity to play on a regular basis. To do this there will have to be changes to the structure, content and philosophy of Football at Repton. However, in an old, traditional & very busy establishment change is not easy and often not well received!

How do you intend to set about achieving your objectives?

What exactly is your job title at Repton and how do you see your role?

I won 2 UAU titles at Loughborough University and played for English University rep side. After University I was a pro at Middlesbrough FC and also played for Doncaster Rovers, Lincoln City & in the Conference for Gateshead. After that I stopped playing to concentrate on teaching/coaching. I have coached at Manchester United since 1994.

I have very good support from the Headmaster and Roger Thompson. It won't happen over night, but by communicating, building relationships and patience we hope to get there in the end. You have had one season here almost, how are things going? I spent much of the Michaelmas term observing; getting to know staff, pupils & the way things work at Repton. On the coaching side I worked closely with Matt Carrington putting together a Junior Development squad made up from the best B & A block players. All concerned have worked hard and the progress with this group of players has been very pleasing. What do you have to say to Old Reptonian footballers who care deeply about the state of Repton School football?

If Repton is to be the best football school in ISFA, we cannot continue with the same framework and approach that has been in place here and at other similar schools for the past several decades. We must get ahead of the competition. Therefore, I would ask ORs for their help, understanding, patience and any ideas - { HYPERLINK "mailto:tps@repton.org.uk" \o "mailto:tps@repton.org.uk" } Mike Stones WHO’s WHO ?

The above photograph was sent in by John Walker (H’46 & Ex Staff). An early version of 20 – 20! Theses were players in an evening post A-level cricket match in 1950 between the modern Upper sixth (captained by their form master) and the History and Classical Upper Sixths. In those days boys were not sent home after finishing A-levels. The Moderns won. Are you on this photograph? Can you name the other players? Please send your answers to the OR Secretary or e mail to or@repton.org.uk

INTERVIEW WITH TOM STATHAM – APPOINTED DIRECTOR OF FOOTBALL SEPTEMBER 2006

Geoff Gyte (N’52) from Sevenoaks, Kent wrote: Dear Mr Charter In echo of Sir Christopher Rose's tribute to all those who organised the 450th Commemor ation Day in his address at the close of the special concert, I just wanted to e-mail you to express my thanks for a truly memorable day. All the extensive preparation and onthe-day organisation had to be top -notch to give us such a full and full-of-interest packed Day. The whole day was really excellent, embracing the two inspiring main Commemoration events, the Chapel Service and then the Concert - inter-spliced with the super Jazz in the Yard with the backcloth of the cricket on the Square. You certainly have an inspiring Director of Music (only appointed a year ago we heard) - giving us memories of Mervyn Williams at the 400th Celebrations - who brought off a truly ambitious programme of anthems and selections of works, most ably supported by the chapel choir and orchestras/choirs - much augmented since my day and much more capable! ( - and choirwise with much less need these days for enough unbroken treble voices!). There were clearly quite a number of us back for the 450th who had been at the 400th, as a show of hands requested by the Headmaster before the concert testified. It was also poignant of the Bishop of Gloucester, in his address, to look at the current pupils and say you may well be back in your turn to celebrate the 500th. So very many thanks again for the huge amount you must have done to ensure it would be, and then was, a really special day, particularly for all us ORs. It was also very enjoyable to meet up again with many fellow contemporaries once again. And weren't we so lucky with the weather. A day later would have put a bit of a dampener on proceedings!

John Hunt (H’46) (late of South Africa – now returned to the UK) sent the following e mail: Dear Editor, I refer to Martin J.R.How's letter in the May 2007 Arch. I apologise most 'umbly for failing to put Martin in the winning spot. I think it must have been due to having seen him disappearing into the distance on so many occasions whilst I staggered along behind.

Many letters and e mails were received following the Commemoration Day celebrations on 26th May, a couple are reproduced below:

PIGEON POST Letters to the Editors

Martin was of course the inspiration for our subsequent small achievements with the Running teams of 1950 and 1951 when many races were won by A.G.B.Cook of the Cross. We all owed much to the example of the famous international competitor with the well deserved initials, G.B.Saunders of New House.

John Hay-Heddle (L’56) from Long Eaton, Nottingham wrote: Dear Mr Charter, May I say, on behalf of my wife Dilys and myself a big thank you to all who were involved in making O.R. Commemoration Day (May 26th) such a memorable success. Like Andrew Williamson (see 'The Arch' May, '07) I too was a Mervyn Williams Chorister, though not quite his contemporary. As such Dilys and I found the Chapel Service most moving. I could almost hear the old man say "Yes, that will do" as he used to when, having practised a piece to as close to perfection as is given to mortal man, he was finally Thesatisfied.Bishop of Gloucester referred to Repton as 'Hauntingly beautiful.' It is that, but even though it has escaped the worst of the architectural vandalism that afflicted so much of Britain since the 1950s, I find that the 'haunting beauty' runs much deeper than the merely physical. In 'Brideshead Revisited' Evelyn Waugh described how the Roman Catholic Mother Church could exert a 'twitch apon the thread' to bring the lapsed faithful home: so it is with Repton to those whom it formed. For me the 'haunting beauty' is an all pervading sense of the numinous; an air of ancient sanctity. For over a thousand years the Christian Faith has been venerated here, and before that the site may have been revered as sacred for millennia. Then there is the reverence for Learning and Scholarship. For centuries the monasteries kept the beacon of knowledge and learning alight through the Dark ages, until they were extinguished in that monumental act of cultural vandalism by Henry VIII. The wave of School foundations that ensued in the following decades was a noble attempt by good men to repair as much of the damage as they could. The founding of Repton School in the will of Sir John Port was part of that effort. In the "Masque of Scholars," in which I sang in 1957, one of Sir John's confidants advises him as he contemplates founding a school while watching the ragged children running wild 'He who gives the world as much as he takes out shall find the throne of God, be there no doubt.' This is the other point which I think adds to the 'haunting beauty' of the place. As the Bishop pointed out, referring to the lesson from Paul's epistle to the Philippians, at Repton that which is honourable, true, just, noble, lovely and of good report is encouraged, honoured and venerated; a world a way from the cheap, the gimcrack and the trashily meretricious that seems to thrive all too well beyond its hallowed portals. Long may this veneration continue to flourish; Floreat Repandunum!

Commemoration Day –Saturday 26th May 2007